Student Success Stories

Copeland Andrews

Growing up in Jamaica, Copeland’s family did not always have the money to pay for classes or the required uniforms for school. At an early age, Copeland fell behind in reading and writing. Despite his efforts to continue his schooling, during the periods his family was financially able, not many teachers wanted to take the time to help him catch up with his peers.

As an adult moving to the United States, Copeland took several community college classes but found them fairly difficult. He decided he needed more attention from a teacher than was offered in a classroom setting. Acquiring a one-on-one tutor from the Orange County Literacy Council, Copeland was able to begin building his reading skills at his own speed. “When I first got a tutor to help me I remember that morning I was so nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect or how my tutor would react to me being a grown man who couldn’t read.”

His first tutor began with English vowels and vowel sounds, which were important to Copeland who mentions that, “the way people speak in Jamaica is very different and the sounds are a whole new experience.” Another preliminary lesson for Copeland included learning how to use United States money, specifically coins. He notes that, “in Jamaica no one uses coins that much because their not worth a lot. When I first came here I use to give away all my change because I didn’t realize the value of the money and how to spend it.”

After three months with a tutor and lots of studying on his own, Copeland passed his driver’s license test with 100% accuracy, a feat difficult for many native North Carolinians. He says, “I never really knew I could make a perfect score, but whatever I do now I put my mind to 100%.” Now Copeland says he’s addicted to reading and when he’s not working or playing soccer, he continuously reads one book after the other. Every spare minute of the day - including breaks at work - he opens a book because he always has one with him. “I use to always stay far away from people who would read.

I couldn’t understand why they read the newspaper or read a book. I thought they were showing off. Now I know it’s because you can learn so much more from reading than just watching the news.”

Copeland has another passion besides books. He has worked 12 years as a landscaper and would like to own his own landscaping company in the future. “My goal right now is to continue to work hard because my journey has just started. There is a lot more for me to learn so I’m not going to think I have reached where I want to reach. I always have more to learn.”