Student Letters, Poetry, and Writing
At Literacy of Northern NY, some of our students have written about what Literacy of Northern NY means to them. They granted us permission to publish their stories.
- "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." ~ Richard Steele
Student Poetry
Life is like a box Free
Life is stronger than a person that
Work hard on their dream.
What can you say and do?
Where would I be in 25 years?
A big house and a family car
-Samaria F., March 2011
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A student from St. Lawrence County wrote this powerful and sensitive poem. His tutor asked that we publish it .
To the End
You were my friend
But you drove into the wind.
You were probably drinking gin,
Always running from the cops,
Always popping the top,
Not knowing when to stop.
Now you're not around
And you can't even make a sound.
- J. C. 2010
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Writings and Letters
It’s been a great experience studying at Literacy of Northern New York. Also, I have learned important things in grammar, reading, and writing. I can say that my level of English is improving in the class.
-A. L. - ELL student, August, 2009
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Literacy of Northern New York refurbishes donated computers and these computers are distributed to students. Here is one story ...
"I want a computer so I can learn to type, and I would learn math and other learning games. And I would [be] using it to keep my calendar about my appointments for the year. I have never had a computer.
- Sincerely, AFB" 12/22/2009
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In seventh grade I had a basketball coach and a math teacher all in one. Being left handed I had trouble making shots. My coach took time to show me the proper way to play the game. He took the time to each me math in the proper way also. If we did not know how to do the work he would come around and help us one on one until we got it. He was always helpful to me and to the rest of the class. He would write out the work for us so we could understand how to do it. The teacher made it look so easy that we liked to do it. He knew all of us by name and I don't know of one kid who did not like him. The guy was just as good teaching basketball as he was math. If we did not have paper or pencils , he would give us some to work with. I had to stop playing basketball to help my dad on the farm at nights. One day the coach came to my home and asked my dad if I could come back and play basketball. My dad could not do all the work by himself so he would not let me go back to play the game. Sometimes my dad would let me go and see the game and help the coach on the side line. The coach would buy the team food and drinks after the game. If some of the kids did not have a ride home he would take them home and that is what a good teacher is.
-A student from St. Lawrence County
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"Hello, My name is Jan I’m a student at Potsdam University. I started with the literacy program last fall. I spoke with Cecilia Brock about getting help with my reading and writing skills. She matched me with Mrs. Kyrie Russ who was doing her internship program at the time. Mrs. Russ is an awesome tutor. She showed and gave me guidance on different strategies to help strengthen my academic skills. Being in the Literacy program has benefited me greatly and I would recommend this program to any student. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude of thanks for all of your help and support, also for helping me believe in myself to pursuing my Bachelors degree. Thank you "
-Jan, Jefferson County
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