Real Lives
Dennis Luther
In the spring of 2007, the Peter Gzowski Invitational recognized our own Dennis Luther with the Newfoundland & Labrador Learner Achievement Award. Here are excerpts from the speech he gave in June as he accepted his award.
“Before attending ABE with Stella Burry, I had a problem reading. This kept me from pursuing my goals – I had wanted to attend a cooking school, but didn’t have the confidence. I worried about my ability to read and write.
I stopped going to school in Grade Three. I had a very hard childhood. I couldn’t cope with going to school. That has been hard to forget and it held me back from getting my education. My career counselor has been a big supporter; Paula Greeley is tough but would go to the ends of the earth for you. She knew my goal was to cook and she convinced me to go back to school to improve my reading and writing.
My health has also held me back. Five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I have been clear now for four years. I also have diabetes and have had many problems with infections. It has been a tough road, but I am tougher and pretty stubborn. I won’t let it keep me from my goals.
I joined the HOPEworks ABE program in September of 2005. Since then I have discovered a love of reading and writing. I am usually the first to volunteer to read out loud or answer questions. I no longer worry about my abilities. My classmates are wonderful. We have fun but also support each other in our learning. They gave me the nickname “The Godfather”.
A new cooking program has started at Stella Burry and I hope to begin it next year. I love cooking and have worked in restaurants around the city. I hope to be able to cook in one of them some day.
I have also learned of new talents. I have become a bit of a poet. Whenever we have writing assignments, I always choose to write a poem. Some are funny or spooky, but usually they are about how beautiful the world is. Here is one of my favourites:
My Dream
By: Dennis Luther
I saw the Star Princess
Float through the Narrows
Smelled food cooking on board
My eyes opened with amazement
I want to be on the ship
I dreamed I was preparing food for the people
Sailing to different ports
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