Tutor Ray Davis and Johnny George
Like many of our students, Johnny was put on a “vocational” track when teachers noted that he was good with his hands. He advanced in that program until the 10th grade, when he left school to join the military. After serving in Vietnam, he left the service with the rank of Sergeant and returned home to find work at Baltimore Gas and Electric. Johnny rose in the ranks at BG&E, becoming a supervisor.
Although Johnny is quick to laugh and smile, in our early months together he often seemed to tear up when he told me about his difficulties with reading. When I told him that he certainly wasn’t alone in this battle, and that so many of our students have struggled with acquiring reading skills as adults, he seemed amazed and shocked. I think he now understands that this process will take a while. But Johnny’s game to try. We often start our lessons with flash cards and current events discussions before digging into Laubach Skillbook 2 and Phonics 2.
~ Ray Davis
