Believing That You Can Believing That You Can
giving to me. My skills are improving and my fears are
vanishing. The simple fact of my tutor correcting my flaws
and praising my success means that she really cares about
me and she never gives up on me. Before my life turned
better with English, it was difficult to know if I showed
improvement. When I came to this country my life turned
upside down because I was struggling with English.
In addition, I had to deal with school and work. My
grades were mediocre, but I knew I could reach higher.
Moreover, I didn’t want my limitations in speaking and
writing put an end to my dream to be a veterinarian
technician. I still don’t want that to be the case. Books
alleviate my concerns and I always use them as a good
source to learn new vocabulary and grammar. However,
reading books wasn’t enough for me. I was looking for
more interaction with someone that would guide me in the
right direction. My motivation to do something about it
helped me to find the adequate way to learn English. The
person who I am now is possible with the help of my tutor. I
am thankful that in this country the citizens care about other
people who really need help.
Andrea Fuster is from Peru. She is a learner in the Literacy Council of
Upper Pinellas ESOL program at the Dunedin Library. Her tutor is
Sister Merita Straher.
Looking For God
Today, I woke up and felt everything differently, I felt
that the people who don’t know me, now are my family, I
see more love in the world than I can imagine. And this is
“God.” Today, I understand not belonging to a country,
family or group, that we have much to know, live, explore
and assess, that we don’t have limits. Today, I woke up and
see things differently, Other languages, new avenues,
different cultures and opportunities! This morning, I
realized what I always read in the poems of Gabo, On our
minute in this instant of life, don’t stop smiling, don’t worry
so much, Help others, give love. To live is easy, there is
only one life. We need to really enjoy, give, share, and look
forward to feeling better every day, because we come into