Andrew, who began volunteering at Durham Literacy in 2018, strives to keep his lessons with Paula relevant and engaging. They meet twice a week, rarely missing a session. “Despite all that is going on in her life, she always shows up, pouring all her energy into her lessons,” Andrew says. 

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The two have made great progress together. "Paula has more confidence. She doesn’t question herself so much now. There is an ease in her reading, and she’s developed a strong foundation,” Andrew reports.  Andrew understands the value of being consistent, injecting creativity, and using every lesson as an opportunity to highlight successes. “I make sure to tell her I am impressed by something she’s done to keep her morale up.”

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Andrew admires Paula for "how she’s navigated life, raising kids and grandchildren. I hope our lessons provide enrichment for her life, that she is better able to understand things, and that this can help take her to another level."