I was born in an African village called Karnblee, in the African state  located on the west coast called Liberia.

During the time of my birth, schools were very far away from my village. Apart from that, our parents considered females as domestic assistants who were responsible to help their mothers until they were married. I lived with my parents until I was grown and could go places by myself. During those days, district commissioners were sent from the capital Monrovia, to govern the interior part of the country. I began to admire the district commissioner and his wife who dressed and behaved like educated people. Of course, they were educated! But, the schools were not meant for women and it was difficult for women to enter classrooms.

As a grown lady, I struggled my way from the village to a bigger town and finally to the capital city, Monrovia. I tried very hard to adjust myself to city life. Then I met my husband and started to bear children. I have been responsible for the home and also the one who caters to the children and did not have ample time for school. I attempted going to adult school, but again, it was a difficult thing to combine school and catering to children, and then work.

Again, with the ambition to travel, I started working my way to the United States. Having arrived in the USA, I still hope and believe that if I apply more and more effort, I can learn. This is what led me to joining the learning program.

I am thankful to God who has guided me all through, and to those who have taken their time to teach me how to learn to read and write.

Tutor: Elaine Bine