ACE News
My Friend José*
June 17, 2011
In his eight years, José has faced more challenges than most adults will ever see. Starting at birth, José and his twin brother have faced many health issues, which have led to numerous medical complications for the two of them. Their family doesn't have much money, and immigrating to the U.S. meant having to learn a second language, as well as a whole new way of life.
Although he is repeating his first-grade year, José is no bigger than most kindergarteners. José had developed several bad habits in an effort to read as quickly as he thought he should. Despite all of his challenges, José is the most joyful and persistent student I've ever met. Every teacher and staff member knows him by name, if only for the day-seizing happiness he exudes walking the halls.
After working diligently for a year to strengthen his reading skills, José knows exactly what he needs to work on and has never given up on even a single word (though optometrista was grueling). He pushes himself harder than anyone else ever could. Last week, his reading was reassessed and, after a lifetime of both frustration and relentlessness, José has finally made it to grade level. He may only be three feet tall, but there's no one I look up to more than my friend José.
Trey Bussey
ACE Tutor
*The student's name has been changed to protect his privacy.