Reflections on COABE 08

My experience of the 2008 COABE Conference was awesome. I got to meet people from all over the world. This was my very first conference and one I will never forget. I especially enjoyed the classes designed for COABE students because, we were allowed to tell about our experience being students and how we can improve not just ourselves but the program as a whole. I was also intrigued to learn how much fun M&M’s can be in a math workshop. I enjoyed hearing different speakers from all over the United States, one in particular Mr. Ernest Best from Massachusetts. His story was most encouraging; he told how he too was a dropout and decided to go back to school. He earned two degree’s with a 4.0. I think that’s fantastic, not saying if Mr. Best could do it, anyone could. I just believe that there is hope. When a person tells a story and it reaches the soul of another person, that’s a start. It’s always good to hear about someone else’s struggle and how they made it through. Not only that, but
how he has hoped so many others including his assistant, Cindy.

Last but not least, our own Mr. Dwight Johnson gave a spectacular speech on his
experience as a student leader, and it was magnificent!!! I find that each time Dwight speaks, he tells a different story, one that is unique. Mr. Johnson’s experience seems to set fire to a lot of hearts and minds. People are inspired by not just how he gives a speech but the heart-felt story behind it. I call it a testimony which helps other overcome and know that there is something bigger than all of us. You see the conference has filled me up spiritually and mentally knowing how people give themselves in many ways to ensure literacy is a success through out the nation.


Jessica Billups

What A Year It Has Been!

What a year it has been! I would have never thought I would benefit so much. But all things must end. Nevertheless, what an ending! 2008 COABE Conference was different for me. Over the past year, I have attended three conferences and no less than twenty forums. At 2008 COABE. I observed such a dedication from administration, teachers, staff, and volunteers. I find that Literacy is not a passing thought, it is life. You have to live it. The 2008 COABE Conference actually is the beginning of the life of literacy for me. Thanks to all the passionate people who have dedicated their lives to literacy.. Speaking from a first timer’s point of view, or in my case as an intern, I did enjoy the conference. Yes, the first couple of forums/ conferences you are so overwhelmed with emotion to know that there are whole groups of people that care so much, that it is their life’s passion. One of the workshops I attended was Transitions: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with the First Step. The speaker was Mr. Rick Marshall. The workshop was very informative with power points, handouts, even illustrations. For this workshop to have such an eye-grabbing topic, it was too surface, meaning he was telling his story, but it was nothing that would make him or any one else search deeper within. You felt like there was more. I believe most of class felt that way. There was one woman in our class who had a speech and hearing impairment. Her teacher had to interpret what she would say to the class. In addition, students from other countries and Americans dealing with all manors of situation poverty, health issues, and domestic violence and so on. I would really like to see that workshop again. When Mr. Rick is feeling vulnerable and transparent.

Dwight F. Johnson