This week the Illinois State Library spotlights Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

As a child growing up in Mississippi, this adult student’s family included seven siblings who all worked on a farm to earn a living. The only time this young man was able to attend school was when the weather was bad enough that working in the fields was impossible. He recalled that the landowner’s children, however, would get on the bus to attend school and wave out the window to those working in the fields.

This adult student always wanted to obtain an education, but his work schedule made it impossible to devote the time needed to learn. He raised four children, making their education a priority.  Three of his children have attended college and all four graduated high school. He is a very proud of their accomplishments. Recently retired after working 40 years for the railroad, this adult learner now has the time to devote to working with a tutor. He is beginning to read basic words and learning how to sound out new ones. His goal is to take the GED test and go on to college.