The Stars newsletter contains unedited, original work written by and for Washtenaw Literacy learners. The opinions printed here do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or of Washtenaw Literacy |
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We hope you enjoy reading the Winter edition of Stars!
The following submissions were written
by learners during their semester.
We hope you had an excellent semester!
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Martin Luther King
by Carol Jones
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Martin Luther King was a good man. He try so hard to do the best he can do.
He did the best work that he did for everyone. I was a little girl when I was just 14 year old. I like to look at books about him to see what it was about him. He did so good for everything he saying was good about people. He like to help people that he will help, in this life time and he had time to help everyone that he can.
I liked him, a lot. My son like him. His name is Eddie Jones. He like him so much, he looked at books on him. The day that came everyone know that will be the man that died so we was so sad that he was not here no more. That we was going to miss him a lot. I know I do miss him so much.
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Citizenship
by Sidra Vaid
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This is Sidra from Pakistan, When i came here i was little worried about that how the things will work toward the citizenship, Then i joined Washtenaw Literacy, where they adapts different teaching style to different audience with ease and professionalism. Mentors demonstrate patience and respectful guidance when interacting with students. Mentors have deep knowledge and required information and skills which build the confidence to face the hurdles. I personally thankful to the whole team who make my journey amazing to pass the citizenship course in one go. |
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Mother Nature
by Levi Gardner
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Mother nature, mother nature, why are you so sad?
Are you shedding tears for the tragic times we had?
Turning against ourselves and you, is that why you’re so mad?
Mother nature, mother nature, why the thunderous mood?
All the pollution and vandalizm pisses you off, is this true?
When will we take care of you and restore the ocean’s blue?
Mother nature, mother nature, bring us a sunny day
Put a smile on your face and shine towards the way
The world drives down a road of darkness
Where is our future, without a guide we run astray
Mother nature, mother nature, please don’t you cry
We can bring better days, all we have to do is try
Spread your love to all your neighbors and beauty we will find
Its time for us to come together, no need for us to divide
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Scary Story
by Irene Sidharta
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I heard this horror story about a murdered lady that happened decades ago in our capital city. Her body was thrown into a river in the Ancol area.
It was unclear who murdered her. The always dark bridge started to be haunted after her murder. It started with the street light that keept on breaking even after recent repairs, making the bridge always dark during the night and people are discouraged to take that route unless there are no other options.
One particular night, I felt unwell after a very busy day driving my taxi everywhere. I decided to take the Ancol bridge, which will shorten my time to reach home. I was hoping that I could get to bed soon and get my rest. I knew that the bridge gives goosebumps and people told stories about supernatural sightings. On any regular day, I would definitely avoid taking the bridge. But my headache was so severe that I made myself take the route.
So it happened, when I approached the Ancol bridge, I saw that one street light in the middle of the bridge was on. I thought that was a good sign, because the bridge seemed not so dark and intimidating for him to pass by. I was sure that I could run his taxi a bit quickly over the bridge and get across in no time. Without further hesitation, I step on the pedal and go for the pass.
Upon passing the middle of the bridge, only one streetlight suddenly blinked. At the very moment it turned off, my engine also turned off. Goosebump everywhere. I tried to turn the machine on several times, but failed. I get out of my car and open the car hood. Then I heard a soft female voice behind me, "Could you give me a ride?" Then I saw a beautiful lady in white short dress walking towards me. While she got closer, I could see her face better. Her face was very pale, and looked so sad. A white scarf laid on her neck to her back.
Cold sweat started to wet my clothes. I said to myself, "I should leave as soon as possible!" But I couldn't leave his car just like that. I rushed back to the driver seat and frantically tried to start the engine. Luckily, the engine cooperated and the car was ready. Without further thought, I just slammed the pedal to the floor and drove away hurriedly without looking back. Leaving the lady behind.
Near my house, I took a deep breath. I was relieved that I could get home very soon. But... Why suddenly the electricity outage in my neighborhood?
Suddenly my goosebump and chill on my neck returned...... I looked at my rearview mirror.... I saw the lady sitting on my backseat, smiling.
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The path for success in writing skills
by Liz Lopes
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I would like to introduce myself to you before you get a chance to read my story.
My name is Liz Lopes, and I was born in a remote area of India. I landed on the soil of the United States of America at the age of 18 years old. When I came to the United States of America, I did not speak English, nor did I understand American English. It was a daily struggle to enhance my English writing and speaking skills in the foreign land. Though it was challenging, I did not give up and I continued to seek help to learn English. I took many English courses in a community college to increase my ability to speak in English and my ability to write in English. However, I did not feel comfortable and confident in writing. I continued to seek help, and this is how I started my journey in to improve English verbal and writing skills.
To improve my English, I started to read the Bible and the newspaper every day. I took a step of faith and started taking prerequisite classes in the community college to join nursing school. I studied and increased my nursing education with an English dictionary and nursing books simultaneously because there were many vocabulary words I did not understand.
With persistent hard work and by trusting God in my nursing career, I completed nursing school and became a registered nurse. Even though I completed nursing school, I did not feel competent in my writing skills. I felt insecure talking to people and continued to compare myself with other nurses who were native speakers and spoke English fluently since it was their first language. Working side by side with the nurses, sometimes, I felt incompetent in writing nursing notes. I felt like an impostor while mingling with the nurses. I was judged by the nurses and sometimes by the physicians. It was hard to advance my career due to my lack confidence in speaking and writing. I was afraid to share my thoughts, ideas, and innovations in public.
I decided to continue my education in nursing: I joined university to further my education in nursing and completed a master's degree in nursing education. One of the reasons, I continued education was so that I could be a better writer and speaker. Now, I feel that I have achieved the speaking part of my challenge and no longer have a fear of speaking in public. One day, I would like to be a motivational coach speaker and have seminars for ESL students.
However, I continue to have a lack of confidence in writing skills. I decided not to give up and to find a channel to get further help. I contacted several places at the University of Michigan to get help and one of the operators connected me to the Washtenaw literacy program. Immediately, I received a call from one of the agents and they connected me to Deniz Kirca. Deniz has been working with me for several months and has helped me to build confidence and to enhance my grammar knowledge.
Because of Deniz’s help and my own persistence, I have been asked to help to read other nurses’ essays and personal statements, and even. to publish a paper in a nursing journal.
I feel that I have a long way to go but I have confidence that with Deniz’s help, I will achieve my dream and become a great writer.
One day, I would like to be making a difference in the ESL students’ writing and speaking just like Deniz has done for me.
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After My Surgery
by Carol Jones
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I had my surgery. I had help. Owen was there for me and his sister Sherry and my caregiver Sarah. With them I did ok, and my teacher at school call me a lot too and my job supervisor June. I just want to go back to work.
Owen he did a lot with me. I love him. He made me mad a lot only because he was doing what was right for me. My family was not there for me at all, but Sherry she came to take me if I need to pay my bills and get me food. I love her like my real sister and Sarah help a lot too. She did my hair for me too and I think her for that.
But my kids was not there in my life, but I love them from a distance.
I call my mother sometime but she was sick so I could not look for her to do anything for me but if she was not sick she would have. My family is not there for you when you need them to be. I hope one day someone see this and adopt me as a family that I need. I know I have 3 people in my life but I need more.
I want to thank God for everything he got for me to do in him being in my life. Thank you for putting Owen in my life and Sherry and Sarah too, that did a lot too. I love Owen very much and he told me too he been treating me a lot that I know I have seen it all. Sherry like my big sister that I never had in my life but I love her and Sarah a lot. They been there for me. Owen do thing with me and the family do too but I have a long ways to go just yet but God is here for me. I love everyone.
I want to see my mother. I have got to get there soon as I can. You do your best in what you do. I am so happy to be back in school. I miss school a lot. I will make up for it. It is so fun to me, I learn a lot from it. You have got to do what your mind tell you to do. Don't you give up on your self at all. I know I will not give up on Carol A Fly. I know I can do this for me. They said I could not do this, but I know I can and Owen is proud of me. He tell me that all the time I do something good. He tell me how proud of me he and his sister is of me. Love, Carol
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Light in the Darkness
by Levi Gardner
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There is a light in the darkness, even when it seems dim
You may have to adjust your position and give your mental a trim
Embrace the positive, reject the negative, its easier said then done
But if you have plans to change, then you shall overcome
Find the light in your mess, and you will find less stress
Give your mind a great rest, so you can perform at your best
Your best now may not be your best later
For in days, maybe moments, you will be greater
So don’t beat yourself up for where you are
For your dreams won’t be that far
Shine your light in the darkness, for it is not the end
Shine your light in the darkness, collect your joy that was stolen
Shine your light in the darkness, must I say it again
Shine your light in the darkness, because you have been chosen
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We hope that you enjoyed this edition of the
STARS newsletter! If you have any articles that
you would like to be included for the next edition,
please send them to kim@washtenawliteracy.org.
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Washtenaw Literacy's Mission
Believing that literacy is the foundation for a sustainable community,
Washtenaw Literacy provides literacy support, free of charge,
to adults through a network of trained tutors.
It is our Vision to eliminate illiteracy in Washtenaw County.
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