"I remember the day I figured out that my dad was illiterate"

I want to start off by saying I think the whole education for prisoners is a great idea and I hope that all the prisons around the world will do this. If prisoners can learn when they’re in prison it will make them more educated and might not think that the whole time they were in prison was a waste. When they do get out of prison they can start their whole life over and get a job and be educated. I know how it feels to have to help people out. I also want to be a teacher and help out people. My whole life, I have been helping out. My dad is illiterate and for many years I have been helping him read and write. I hate seeing my dad not to be able to get certain jobs just because of his past or I hate seeing my dad struggling with how to spell a word or write something. So I think if there is something that teachers like you and other high influences can do to help people with their education is appreciated by many people. Not only me but they have families that need them they have kids that will need them when they get out and I know how it feels to ask my dad for help on my homework but he can’t because he doesn’t know what it says. I remember the day I figured out that my dad was illiterate it was when I asked him what a word means and I saw tears come down from his face and asking him what is wrong and him telling me that he can’t read or write think what that does to a little kid because they look up to their dads like they’re super humans that they can do anything and everything. Ever since that day I told myself that I have to help my dad. So I think it is a very good thing that you’re doing and you and your staff should keep the good work up.

Sincerely,
Steven W., Class of 2010
Reavis High School, Burbank, Illinois