Student Spotlight: Ava

Hi, my name is Ava, and I am nineteen years old. I grew up in Fort Wayne with my mother, father, and older brother. I have six siblings who have taught me most of what I know now. I work part-time at a clothing store as a stylist. I have a dog named Valentine and a Hamster called Steve, and they are very spoiled.

I came to The Literacy Alliance after I dropped out of high school in what would have been my junior year. I was diagnosed with ADHD around the time that COVID hit, and my grades started to decline without contact with my teachers and friends in my life; it worsened as I moved into high school, as the isolation was still at an all-time high. I have gained friends and boosted my communication skills through my time at The Literacy Alliance. I had little knowledge when I came here and struggled to grasp simple concepts that surrounded some subjects for a while. The tutors here took the time that my previous teachers did not. They worked with me and explained in terms I could understand.

A little advice that seems universal at this point: never ever be afraid to ask for help.

My experience at The Literacy Alliance will be something I am forever grateful for. It has given me a second chance to improve my skills, whether communication skills, job interview tips, or knowledge of the many subjects taught in school. I have enjoyed the time I have spent here with everyone!

Once I obtain my high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, I plan to become an art teacher and study Korean in Seoul, South Korea. I hope to make an impact on the children who I will be teaching, even if it’s just putting a smile on their faces. I have always expressed my emotions through art. I hope that these kids will learn that it’s okay to express what they feel, no matter how small it may be.

I am so grateful for the people who have helped me here at The Literacy Alliance. The tutors are very knowledgeable, caring, and patient. They have helped me tremendously. A little advice that seems universal at this point: never ever be afraid to ask for help. No one sees you as weak for not knowing something; we all go through life and learn something new! You can absolutely do this! So, that’s my story…now go write your own!

Ava earned her HSE diploma in December of 2023; we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next!