Last week, Reading, It’s Life shared the words of a volunteer who had recently become an Alta reading guide at the St Anthony’s College venue. This week, fellow reading guide and experienced tutor Rosemarie Olliverre describes this Reading Circle in greater detail, and beautifully captures how reader support, through Alta Reading Circles, helps students discover the joy of reading.
While wending my way to Alta’s Reading Circle I wondered if anyone would turn up. I had no great expectations as it was dull and rainy and the evening before a public holiday. I closed my umbrella and scanned the classroom only to meet the eyes of one lone student who peered at me in surprise. I am sure I saw her mouthing the words, “She come!” Her expression was one of gratitude and slight disbelief. It made me so happy that I was on time and even early.
Soon enough others trickled in. That day we read two poems by Joy Valdez. The first was about a woman who had been hurt and had no words to speak after she suffered betrayal. The other poem was about the same woman some time later when she found joy once again. The students related well to the range of emotions in the poems.
Eventually, while reflecting on the reason for the return of the woman’s happiness, one student asked, “You think is because the husband come back?” Another quickly responded, “Nah! She find the joy inside herself!” The others nodded in agreement as they absorbed the power of the words they had read. “Yes, yes! You have to find the joy inside yourself,” the first student uttered softly as the depth of the words resonated.
Another time we read a simple story of a woman who had triumphed over great adversity. After plodding through and sounding out the difficult words syllable by syllable, a young man interjected, “Like after she cry, the spirit inside get stronger and she get the strength to overcome!” He then proceeded to tell us about his own struggle which had made him more resilient and determined.
Truth be told, it is moments like these that drive me to Reading Circle every week. The power of the printed word is the impetus to share my love for literature and for life. Yes, reading is functional but it is so much more. The students get an opportunity to apply their reading skills but they also share the experiences of others, learn about themselves and come to know the joy of reading for pleasure.
Last day we were privileged to have a visit from a published writer. Barbara Jenkins read a story from her book ‘Sic, Transit Wagon’. It was most appealing as she writes about ordinary things in such an extraordinary way. She answered questions, chatted about her life and gave us tips on writing. The session ended with resounding applause and one student was even inspired to write memoirs of her own life.
Alta has impacted my life positively. My perspective has shifted and I have come to find joy and meaning in simple, ordinary moments. I am grateful to Alta for providing this opportunity to connect with some strong and resourceful people in the community while sharing the gift of reading. This is a most worthy experience. I urge you to discover the true value of giving by becoming an Alta Reading Circle guide. Do not deprive yourself of this joy! According to one student, “Not a joy on the surface but that joy that wells up and comes from deep, deep inside.”
• Alta needs volunteers to teach at classes across Trinidad for academic year September 2015 to June 2016. Call 624-ALTA (2582)/653-4656/664-2582 to schedule an interview and begin the process of becoming an ALTA tutor. Volunteers are unpaid. Volunteer, donate, sponsor a student. Like us on Facebook: Alta Trinidad.