Hard News: The Reading Thing

"I was asleep before," Julia told me in Spanish. "Before, there was no sun for me. Now I feel más despierta," more awake, she said.

LA Times columnist Hector Tobar tells the story of Julia Rodriguez, a 34-year-old garment worker and mother of three learning to read for the first time.

She went to classes, found the study overwhelming and wanted to quit. Her ten-year-old son wouldn't let her.

Bravo, Hector Tobar, for writing the story.

Bravo, Julia — now you can read how you are an inspiration to the rest of us.

Literacy brings immigrants closer to full participation in life (Hector Tobar, LA Times)

photo by Liz O. Baylen/LA Times