Reflections

Regarding Valued Qualities
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.

I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.

It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.

I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.

I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.

Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.

As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.

Meeting Photos

Here are some photos from our June 8th meeting and from the orientation:


Becky, Rochell, and Caroline













Dwight and Lauren






Carlotta










Maggie










Marcia and Dwight










Ora










Mary Ann








Sarah and Lauren

Video production

Please insert in time line:

Organizing for Change: Adult literacy Education
St. Louis, Missouri

Documentary producer: Rebecca Rogers, Associate Professor
University of Missouri St. Louis

Video production completed
May 2006

Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline

Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline
The process of building student leadership: conferences, forums, and workshops

ABC’s of Literacy Conference
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee

Regional Conference, Webster University
March 11 & 12, 2004

Community Action Forum
Opening remarks: Terry Jones
Political Science, University of Missouri

Julia Davis Library
November 16, 2004

ABC Forum Facilitators Training
Trainers: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

AEL Central Office
March 9, 2005

Literacy Community Workshop
Opening remarks: Rebecca Rogers
Education, Washington University

St. Louis Public Library Central West
March 15, 2005

Student Leadership Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Jason Murphy, Philosophy, St. Louis University
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher

Julia Davis Library
May 19, 2005

Letter Writing Workshop
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator

St. Louis Public Library Central West
June 2, 2005

ABC’s Of Literacy
Presenters: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

MAACCE Pre-Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 22, 2005

Value Leadership Training
Trainers: Marty Finsterbusch, Director of VALUE
Will Grant, VALUE trainer

LIFT-Missouri, Westport Campus
June 28 & 29, 2005

Public Speaking Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs

Project Even Start
September 8, 2005

Community Action Forum
Following VALUE problem solving model

St. Louis Public Library Central West
October 18, 2005

Student Council
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator

AEL Central Office
December 8, 2005

Student Leadership Forum
Presenters: Adult Education Students

St. Louis Public Library Central West
April 12, 2006




ABC’s Of Literacy Conference II
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee

Regional Conference, Webster University
May 18 & 19, 2006

Student Leadership and Advocacy
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

MAACCE Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 23, 2006

Educating For Change
Presentation of student projects

Curriculum Fair, International Institute
September 30, 2006

Organizing for Change Forum I
Facilitator: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator

Harris Stowe University
October 18, 2006

Organizing for Change Forum II
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
Adult Education Students

St. Louis Community College at Meramec
December 12, 2006

Organizing for Change: Literacy Education in St. Louis
Presenters: Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

COABE Conference
March 27, 2007



Organizing for Change Forum III
Presenters: Forest Park Community College Faculty

St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
April 5, 2007



Intern Orientation
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Carlotta Algee-Stancil, Adult Outreach, St. Louis Public Library
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

LIFT-Missouri
May 18, 2007

Welcome

The ABC's of Literacy Project works to promote awareness about adult literacy programs in the St. Louis metro area. The ABC's of Literacy is a joint project of LIFT-MO and the Literacy Roundtable.The project grew out of the first ABC's of Literacy Conference in 2004. Since that time we have conducted several forums a year and a second ABC's of Literacy Conference in 2006. Later we'll post a timeline of our events. This year three interns who are current students or graduates of local adult education programs will be joining our committee and helping us plan for this year's events. Keep checking here to read about our activities and upcoming events!