I came from a small town in Merrill, Ore. where the most popular class was ESL. Needless to say, teaching was a challenge. Being that I was one of the few kids not in ESL who had a stable home life, extra attention wasn’t given to me and my studies. Learning to read was a struggle for me, so my teacher, Ms. Havalina, sent me to SMART.
I had the same SMART volunteer for two years. Her name was Ingrid. She was an older woman from Austria who was extremely patient and kind. I enjoyed my time with her and was sad when it ended. But, every year until I moved I received a birthday card from Ingrid wishing me well and hoping that I will still loving to read.