While I was finishing my Human Service degree at Monroe Community College, I came across Literacy Rochester. I needed to find a fieldwork placement that involved helping individuals in my community. To my surprise Literacy Rochester was more than that. It was not just about assisting others with their digital needs or just helping them learn to read. It was about supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals. Whether it is helping them to become more marketable for employment or assisting them in achieving a higher education.
After volunteering for more than a year, I decided it would be a good idea to apply for employment. I wanted to be a part of a team that strived to improve the reading, math, English language, and digital skills to adults in our community. Being able to provide this service to others is such a rewarding feeling and touches close to home.
Coming from a low economic family who grew up in the city of Rochester. I have struggled in the past with not being able to afford a computer and internet service.
I have also watched my father struggle with literacy in general. It has allowed me to see that many individuals have been left behind in a world that is continually evolving economically and technologically.
As the Digital Volunteer Coordinator, my job is to recruit and maintain volunteers to assist any adult in the community with their digital needs. But this job has been more than that for me. It has allowed me to meet some amazing people. From the partners we work with to my awesome boss who has taught me so much. To my dedicated volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to help others achieve their goals without you.
If I am not at work you can find me taking care of my family. I am a proud mother of 3 and stepmother to 2. My world revolves around all these children. I want them to know that “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” Malcolm X. That is why I will be continuing my education in Social Work at The College at Brockport this fall. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C.S. Lewis.
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