Juan Martinez
Let me introduce a guy I'm tutoring to read. Senor Juan! My new friend from San Juan. He's 65; lived here since he was 14; lives alone today; has four grown sons scattered about the USA. Speaks English with a somewhat heavy Spanish accent (I've learned a few Spanish cuss words); never learned to read or write (one in five Americans is functionally illiterate). But, believe me, this man is driven! He never "got around to learning to read in any language". Always too busy earning a living.
He's told me over and over again: "I want to read!" "Okay, Juan, okay!!" His dream (I kid you not!): to kick back with a cup of coffee and read the daily paper. To realize that dream I think he'd actually walk 5 miles to our library sessions if he had to. I doubt he would ever have to. Juan owns 5 cars, three of them certified antiques including a '75 Corvette in mint condition. "Cars! That's okay," he says, "but I want to read, read! Especially the newspaper!"
Right now, Juan and I are at the "fat cat that wanted to chat, so he sat flat on a mat" (pattern words) stage of learning to read. But give him time! He'll read some day. I already promised to buy him his first newspaper! "Right, Juan!"
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Warren and Juan
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World class beaches
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Miss Puerto Rico/Miss Universe. Juan! Behave! You're 65!
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Juan...in his dreams!