
A Lifetime of Learning: The Story of Thomas
A softspoken but passionate man, Thomas shared his story with CFLC staff with the goal of inspiring new tutors, students, and donors to recognize the importance of the Literacy Council in his life. This is his story:
Born in Sumter, South Carolina, in 1945, Thomas moved with his parents to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1952 in search of better opportunities. Shortly after the move, his father left, leaving his mother to care for Thomas and his two sisters alone. Despite facing significant challenges, Thomas has persevered, transforming his life into a legacy of gratitude and a testament to embracing every opportunity.
Thomas dropped out of school in 8th grade to support his mother and sister, and never got to go back to school. Through the support of the people he calls his ‘village,’ Thomas was able to find work, build community, and eventually, seek opportunities for his own family in Washington, D.C. There, he forged new connections, pursued a successful military career, and found a love for tennis.
After he retired, he rediscovered his love of learning at the Literacy Council; he has taken part in tutoring, Readers’ Theater, Memoir Class, and our Computer lab. Thomas thought he needed to get a GED to go to college so he could learn more about the world… but through CFLC’s partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), he has been able to expand his horizons and fuel his passion for education. He enjoys studying American history, theater, and comparative religion. Thomas plans to audit classes at CFCC over the summer, as well.
“My mom had a 3rd grade education. When I was 21 years old, with a 7th grade education, I wanted to be able to compete – for jobs, for my place in the world – and get those things that I desired for myself and my family. I saw black boys and girls on the news being beaten down just for wanting a level playing field and I couldn’t understand why. I wanted to be taken seriously. I started at CFLC… and I started training my brain to think differently, to increase my memory. As I learned more, I expanded my perspectives and now I am taking a class at OLLI. I am studying religion and drama and it is feeding my soul. I am going to sit in until I fit in. Now that I am at a comfortable place, I will be advocating for literacy for others for the rest of my life.”
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