# 48 008

From Fields to School

I was born in Jamaica. My mother had a rough time with four children. My father left us for many years, and we never hear from him. Sometimes my mother could not find food for us. She worked at a farm in the day and for families in the city at night to get us some food.

When my brother was nine he had to join my mother at the farm. My sister also worked there. When I was eight I joined them working every day on the farm. I was not able to go to school until I came to the Adult Learning Center.

I worked on the farm until I got a job working with the United Dairy Farmers. I drove an Ice Cream delivery truck.

When I was 45 – eight years ago – I came to the U.S. After being here a while I told a friend that I never went to school. She said that she knew of the Worcester Adult Learning Center. She brought me to school and I met my teacher, Kathy. She is a wonderful teacher. I could not even write or read my name when I came to the U.S.

Now I can read and I can write my story about my life. When I was a child my life was very rocky. I heard all about the opportunities in the U.S. and decided to try. I found a great place at school and continue to learn every day. I work in the kitchen at WPI from 2:00 to 11:00, so, at times, it's hard coming every day to school, but I try not to miss one day.

I'm also studying to become a citizen. I've come a long way from a farm boy who couldn't read to the person I am today. God bless all and God bless America.