Tutor Sarah Fredericks with her student Ira Richardson
My name is Ira Richardson. I am originally from a small town called Scotland Neck, North Carolina. I was born and raised on a small farm. My mother and father had only a 3rd grade education because both dropped out of school to work. I am one of seven children. Growing up was a very difficult challenge. I attended school through the 12th grade. I had to conquer my worst fears: very low self-esteem, being shy, having to deal with acne and the ability to speak without stuttering and stammering.
I am now married with two children. My wife Renita is a Personnel Specialist. My daughter Nakia is 22 years old and attending college. She is studying to become a Psychiatrist and will graduate this December. My son Nehimiah is 14 years old and in the 9th grade. Currently, I have a job as a professional Pest Control Applicator. I have been doing this job for 26 years. It requires good reading, writing, and computer technology skills. If you were to ask me what I am good at, I would say taking care of my family and pest control.
I contacted the Literacy Council in March, 2014, because I did not know how to spell or pronounce certain words. This interfered with my ability to read and understand what I was reading. My tutoring lessons started in April. Since then, I have improved my reading and writing skills. My tutor, Sarah Fredericks, always encourages me to read books written by different authors, so that I can explore new writing styles. I especially like reading mysteries.
Success! I have now read two books:
- The Very Bad Dream
- The Hardy Boys, Undercover Brothers (#8): Top Ten Ways to Die
I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
My ultimate goal is to attend college and study Homeland Security or Criminal Justice
Ira Richardson, September 21st, 2014
