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Writer's pictureJoshua Cruz

Hidden Struggles: A Lifetime of Silent Illiteracy

Updated: Nov 7



Imagine living with a secret for decades; this was the reality for Gary Vaughn, a remarkable 68-year-old who couldn't read. Despite his struggles, Gary found success working as a groundskeeper on a school campus, where he created some of the most beautiful water features and landscapes.


To navigate his professional life, he learned to memorize and find clever ways to hide his secret from his family, coworkers, and friends. Yet, every day, he carried the weight of his inability to read and write, feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him.


One day, he walked into the LearningQuest Adult Literacy office and said, “I have a secret I can’t carry anymore. I need to share it. I can’t read; I’ve been hiding it for years.” 


This powerful moment opened doors for Gary and set him free from his secret, leading him to a path of support and promise, a world where letters could now be turned into words, a world where he didn’t have to feel lonely or scared, but one he could understand.


Through our Library Literacy Program, Gary found the strength to confront his fears and embrace the journey of learning. With the support of our dedicated tutors, he is opening a world he never knew existed. In a heartfelt moment, Gary proudly stood before his family and read to a room of people attending his Literacy Award Ceremony, sharing his powerful story of perseverance and courage. His voice, once held back by fear, now speaks with confidence, encouraging others to see what’s possible for themselves.


This holiday season, as we gather and celebrate our blessings, let’s work together to create a ripple effect of change in our community. We invite you to join us in making a difference by supporting students like Gary, helping them overcome their fears and experience the support that LearningQuest provides, giving them hope and confidence for a life full of possibilities.

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