When we heard about America in Jamaica, we just wanted to go there to get a new life. Some people made it but others didn't. You just had to try every day. People from every country want to come to America. I made it.

Some countries don't like America. I say bless America for the good things that it does for the people.

Some people, like the students in my school, come here and learn to read and write. Some people don't understand why I can't read.

I get angry sometimes with myself about reading, but I go back and think of where I came from. I could not go to school, not a day, as a child, and I never went to school as an adult until a couple of years ago when I started at the Worcester Adult Learning Center. I try very hard in class to learn to read and write. I work full time. I thank my teacher, Kathy, who tries very hard with me in class, and now I can help myself. I can read and I am writing this story.

Kathy tells me I have come a long way. "Derron," she says, "When you started class you couldn't read or write one word, and now you're reading books and writing stories. I am so proud of you. You also got your driver's license and became a citizen last year. Haven't you come a long way?"

"Yes, Kathy, and I also brought my daughter here to live with me and go to school. All while working full time."

And Kathy says, "Isn't that great!"

"Yes, Kathy!"