William West never got the chance to go to school when he was a kid. For years, it affected his emplyoment: numerous times he had to turn down promotions at Popeyes because he wasn’t able to fill out inventory lists and staff schedules. Later, he worked for a gas station where he was paid a few dollars a day to do cleaning, maintenance and landscaping. He knew he was being cheated but since he was illiterate, he felt he could do nothing about it. Illiteracy affected not only his work but his relationships, as he has had a hard time maintaining good relationships with friends and with his kids (he thinks they are ashamed of him). William has been with LVA on and off for 17 years, but in the last year, William has finally admitted that he was running from his weakness because it was too painful. "I have always been a workahaulic," he said. In 2010, his ability to sound out words has dramatically increased, and he’s met several of his small goals. This year he took the Metro train system for the first time, having gained enough confidence to read the signs at the stations. He also learned to use a computer, memorized his multiplication tables, and what he is most proud of: “I have 20 stories from class at home and I can read all of them.” William’s personal growth and confidence have increased, finally dimming the pain of years of illiteracy, and we keep working with him towards his long-term goal: to be able to walk into the library and pick out any book he likes.
