Bonnie is a lifelong resident of Hinsdale, pursuing her education and career, raising a family, and retiring there. Bonnie read about Literacy DuPage and the need for tutors in the local paper. As an avid traveler, Bonnie understood the frustration of being unable to communicate in a country’s native language. Her desire to help those struggling with English led her to attend the tutor orientation and training with Literacy DuPage. At first, she was concerned that she would not be a good tutor because she did not have a background in English or teaching. She was encouraged by the Literacy DuPage Program Director that with proper training, anyone with a desire to help those in need could become a good tutor. Bonnie completed her training and met Maria. Soon afterwards they began working on Maria’s literacy goals.
Bonnie and Maria worked on health-related vocabulary that would help Maria communicate with her son’s doctors to ensure she understood his needs and knew his treatment options. As Maria’s confidence grew, they began working on Maria’s comprehension and conversational skills. Seeing Maria succeed and become independent with everyday tasks and in her personal and health-related conversations makes Bonnie feel very proud. “My life has been enriched by being Maria’s tutor,” Bonnie said. Maria is proud of her accomplishments as well. “I can understand more. I can participate more, too. I feel safer in my community.”
Maria is just one of the hundreds of students benefiting from health-literacy tutoring through Literacy DuPage. We congratulate Maria and Bonnie on their success in their lessons and celebrate their growing friendship.
If you would like to share your story, please contact Kathleen by email or phone.
