The Dominican Literacy Center | One to One Adult Tutoring in Detroit

Student Writings

Dominican Literacy Center student writers

A successful literacy program integrates the skills of reading, listening, and writing in each learning experience. The following selections were written by students at the Dominican Literacy Center. Besides offering an insight into the writers' experiences, the writing samples also illustrate the students' success as new writers.

If I were granted one wish, it would be ...

To teach the children at my church how to pray to God and to believe in themselves. P.A.

A wish for higher education

If I was granted one wish, it would be to put my son through college. It would be nice if he could get a scholarship. College is very important. It is hard to get some jobs without a college degree. If you want to be out on your own, you have to have a good career. The only way you can have a career is by going to college and getting a degree. I will help him stay focused and keep getting good grades in school. T.B.

Squire Moore

If I had one wish... I will wish for more wishes! I will wish everyone would have a wish. I wish that all children have a wish. I wish the world was a better place. I wish all people could get a job. I wish that I will learn to read better. The last wish is up to me. I am reading better because I am taking classes to read from my very fine tutor. S.M.

Joy is learning

What brings me joy is coming to school at the Dominican Literacy Center for the past year and a half. I feel happy when I see my reading and writing are improving. Now it is easier for me to talk with my customers in my shop. L.S.

Joy in citizenship

Being American brings me so much joy. It brings opportunities such as the right to vote, further my education and pursue the American dream to own my own business and to be my own boss. I love living in America. I love the automobiles, the different cultures and foods and I can travel freely around the country and see different places. C.L.

Life is joy

What bring me joy is life itself. Just being alive and waking up every morning brings me joy. My family is another thing that brings me joy. I love to be with my husband and my son. They are very important in my life. Love also brings me joy. This whole world need to love more. T.B.

Joy in fitness

I enjoy working out in the weight room. I like running and walking and riding a bike and climbing stairs. I love that I lost 100 pounds! C.V.

Joy in learning

What brings me the greatest joy is coming to the Dominican Literacy Center because it's helping me to progress toward getting my GED. B.T.

Autumn joy

The things that give me the most joy are taking my dog for a walk in the park and seeing the leaves on the trees change colors. I like the fall weather the best of all the seasons. I.R.

Moving ahead

Progress in my personal life brings me joy. Writing is a challenge for me, but I can now write "The quick, red fox" sentence in block letters. This small progress gives me a feeling of great joy. G.C.

God's love is joy

It is easy to become frustrated by life and question why God allows bad things to happen. Some of our greatest troubles are caused by difficult or broken relationships. When we put our problems in God's hands. He puts his peace in our hearts. It is inspiring a deeper understanding of true joy. E.V.

The Detroit Zoo

I enjoy the zoo every time I go because it is big and such a nice place. I went 4 times. It has lots of animals. My favorites are the giraffes and polar bears. It is kind of far but it is worth it. V.D.

Eastland Mall

My favorite place in Detroit is Eastland Mall. I like to shop for clothes. My favorite store is Sears. They have a nice selection of clothes in my size. L.M.

No Place Like Home

My favorite place in Detroit is at home because the people I love are there. I own my house in Detroit. I have kids I am raising on my home. The neighbors are nice. I have four blocks to travel to work. The school for the kids is around the corner. N.W.

Art Museum

I visited the art museum. In the museum I watched plates, food and drinks being served. I saw statues, pictures and old furnishings such as tables and chairs. I saw old glass. All this is history and is good for my outlook. G.B.

Stone Creek

My favorite place is Stone Creek because it is very big and has a lake. Every one from my family can find something for themselves. My son likes to play in the sand and swing. My husband likes to play volleyball. They have a volleyball field. My friends and I barbeque, swim, canoe, ride our bikes and rest. E.D.

Home is the Place

My favorite place is home because I can shut out everybody and everything. My second favorite place is church because I can worship God with others. I also like Bible class. M.H.

The DIA is My Place

My favorite place is the Detroit Institute of Arts. My first thought when I went in was �This is my place.� I have always been attracted to religious art. When we walked in medieval galleries I was overwhelmed. This is the area I enjoyed the most but they have something for everybody. J.G.

Fun at Hart Plaza

My favorite place is Hart Plaza. This plaza is named in honor of Senator Philip Hart. I have enjoyed going to festivals held in Hart Plaza in the summer time. Each festival honors a different country. At these festivals you can dance, listen to music or enjoy ethnic food. Hart Plaza has been used for many Detroit sport victory celebrations. Recently, Barack Obama, candidate for president, held a labor day rally. J. O.

The Detroit Princess

My favorite place in Detroit is on the deck of the Detroit Princess. This past summer I was invited there for a family member�s birthday party. I was very excited to attend the party to be with family and friends. It was my first time on the boat. I enjoyed the scenery, atmosphere, food, dancing, and talking with my husband of four years. H.A.

Family Outings

My favorite places in Detroit are the places I spend with my family. We go to church together every Sunday. We have dinner together after church. I look forward to going to the movies twice a month with my children and grandchildren. I also love taking care of the residents at my job. I love seeing the smiles on their faces for the good care they get from me. A.F.

The Library

My favorite place to visit is the library. I went to the library. I got a library card. It is the first one I had since I was a child. I wanted a library card because I like to read. It is also nice and quiet so I can think without being alone. The library makes me feel smart. S.L.

Fun in my Garage

My favorite place to go in Detroit is my garage. I like barbequing and being with my family. R.E.

Royal Skateland

My favorite place in Detroit is Royal Skateland. I have been skating since I was ten years old. Skateland was the place to be on Saturday morning. They had games for us to play and the kids had fun. I still go skating on Sunday nights for ladies night out, exercise and socializing. Three other ladies and I from the eastside came up with the name of Easide Riders. We have been skating with each other for several years. We have stepping moves and we enjoy ourselves. Now I go with my son and grandkids on Saturday too. D.J.

Forwardly Fearless

When I first found out about the Dominican Literacy Center and what it was doing for the community I was impressed, because I have some spelling and reading issues of my own. Once I knew that this was the place for me, I was too embarrassed to go. I pulled my self together and went in for registration. I hoped that I didn�t see anyone I knew, because my job is in the same neighborhood as the Dominican Literacy Center. Once I talked with the staff members, they ensured me that everything would be alright. I was so afraid of seeing a customer or friends, it would be so embarrassing. The staff members kept me with a positive attitude about learning. Now I feel better about my self and am grateful for the wonderful staff here at the Dominican Literacy Center. The give me mental and spiritual support and the courage to keep on coming. Wow my reading and spelling is much better. (FALL 2010) - M.R.

Coming to Dominican

Before I came to the Dominican Literacy Center, I was afraid to talk with people in English on the streets, in the stores and so on. I felt so bad, I wanted to go back to my native country. But since I started my classes at the D.L.C, my English has become much better. Thanks to my tutor, I can speak better English and I can even write some short stories. I am sure that I will find the time to continue my classes at the D.K.C. I like to study, which results in me getting both more and useful information. (FALL 2010) - T.D.

System Upgrades

The biggest impact is that my reading ability has improved. I read a lot better and understand what I am reading. I spell and write better. This helps me use the computer more. I also text a lot, using my mobile telephone. Overall, learning helps me appreciate school more and gives me a desire to start volunteering. (FALL 2010) - D.M.

Self Empowerment

Before coming to the Dominican Literacy Center, I wanted to get my GED and I kept putting it off. But once I enrolled in your program, things started to change for me. I started focusing more with help of being tutored and learning things. I had forgotten. I have achieved the goals that I have set out for in the program. That�s how Dominican Literacy Center has impacted my life. (FALL 2010) - K.W.

Movin� on Up

Coming to the Dominican Literacy Center has impacted my life by giving me a step forward to better my education. I plan to obtain my general education Diploma (G. E. D.). I will prepare for a better job by completing my college education. (FALL 2010) - S.W.

Vote for Literacy

Vote for Literacy Coming to Dominican gave me a sense of self-worth. It played a major role in my increased confidence in my ability to learn. Dominican gave me hope that I could further my education and strive for success. It helped my communication skills get better. I have learned how to use the computer. It helped me fill out job applications and I was able to vote for the first time. I read better and write better and take of business. - (FALL 2010) D.H.

Engineering My Education

I�m a civil engineer and I work a simple job in a factory because I don�t know the English language very well. Now I�m on lay off and I have time to study English. I study English as a second language at Macomb Community College and The Dominican Literacy Center. I go three days a week to Macomb and one day to Dominican. For me, studying English is very important because, when I know English I can find a better job (a job in my field). (FALL 2010) - C.J.

Pass the Knowledge

Through my being tutored at Dominican Literacy Center I am more equipped to help my great-grandson with his study of short vowel sounds. My experience as a student at Dominican has taught me to be more patient with him. This makes our working together a better learning experience for my great-grandson. (FALL 2010) - T.B.

Life Signs

My quality of life has improved greatly by coming to the DLC. After my heart attack, I had a �global impairment� that was severely limiting. Now I can sign in and give basic information at a doctor�s office. I am advancing in my deacons� class and I do the readings on Sunday. (FALL 2010) - J.C.

Time is of the Essence

The Literacy Center has impacted my life by helping me to organize my time by being prompt and to increase my knowledge. I have also improved my learning skills and met new people. (FALL 2010) - C.W.

Coming Up

How did coming to the Dominican Center impact my life? I have been coming to the center for over a year, and I have gotten so much out of learning from my math tutor, Mary Adams. She is a wonderful person. Since she has been tutoring me, my math grade at Schoolcraft placed my GPA at (2.467). Also, since I�ve been attending the Dominican Center, I have received the National Adult Education Honor Society. So, I thank God for putting all of the members at this center in my life. Thank you. (FALL 2010) - M.N.

Sleepy-Time Stories

Coming to the Dominican Literacy Center has made a great impact on my life. I am now able to read bedtime stories to my granddaughter at night. I read my first book. I am reading and learning more. (FALL 2010) - C.J.

The Words I Manifest

Coming to Dominican Literacy Center has impacted my life by helping me to read well and improving my Communication. It has also helped me exchange my thoughts into writing and also coming here has helped me to determine my goals of becoming a better person in life. S.A.

A Thirst for Life

I find myself reading books that are interesting in my life. It has helped me read and understand diagrams better. It has helped me to write notes and lists for groceries. It is opening up to me a better way of life. A.W.

Coming Up

Goal Tending

The Dominican Literacy Center has brought so much out of me. From the first time I attended the center, things started to become a lot clearer. I�ve become a better reader and my thinking has improved. I still have much to do to reach my other goals, but now they don�t seem as hard to reach. Some of my goals are to obtain a G.E.D and go to college to complete my education in automechanics. � (FALL 2010) D.M.

Teaching Time

I started to go to the Dominican school 14 months ago. Before I began this class, my reading was so bad. But since spending time with my teacher, I�ve been taught a lot of the English language and grammar and my skills in writing are better than before. Something special about this school is that people who are working here are very nice and friendly. I�m so happy to be here with these people. - (FALL 2010) M.C.

Study in Style

I�m coming to the Dominican Literacy Center because I want to be able to speak with my customers as a hair dresser. - (FALL 2010) D.T.

Driving Decisions

I have been coming to Dominican Literacy Center about 3 years. I now read, write and speak better English. Dominican Literacy Center has helped me to better understand my manuals and code books for my job training. If not for D.L.Center, I would not have my carpentry and plumbing certificate. I would not be working on my electrical certification. They also helped me to get my chauffer�s license. I am hoping that this year I will also get my citizenship. � (FALL 2010) S.J.

Never Give Up

There is a sign on the wall in the Dominican literacy Center office that says �Never, Never, Never give up.� To me, it is of vital importance to get an education. D.L.C has opened a lot of doors for me, but it�s up to me to go through them. � (FALL 2010) B.S.

Intelligence & Insight

Coming to the Dominican Learning Center has provided good knowledge in my life, and has been very insightful. While attending the Dominican Learning Center, I have seen improvement in my studies and have applied that to my college classes. I would like to thank my tutor, Peter, and all the Dominican Learning Center staff for this program and I hope to continue making more accomplishments in college. - (FALL 2010) B.S.

Revelations

It has revealed some things about my self that I didn�t realize. [The Dominican Literacy Center] A very good program for people who have a learning disability to find that they don�t. � (FALL 2010) R.B.

Time to Focus

I enjoy coming to the center. I am punctual. I do not get distracted and so I can learn better in this environment. I have become better organized and more punctual in my every day activities. The center has helped improve my reading comprehension. Now, when I go to the store, I know the right amount of change that should be given to me and I can count it correctly. My confidence and self esteem has improved. Math is no longer intimidating. It is fun now. I understand how to solve math problems. I have even told my friends that multiplication is not hard. Math is now my favorite subject.- (FALL 2010) R.B.

Heir of Achievement

Dominican Literacy Center has an air of achievement about it. That inspires me to set goals that I thought that I could not reach. The staff and tutors are patient with their students. They are learned people, I try to meet their standards. The atmosphere at Dominican Literacy Center has motivated me to succeed. � (FALL 2010) D.K.

Practice Makes Perfect

Dominican Literacy impacted my life by helping me not be embarassed to tell people why I go to school. I love my tutor and school. I'm going to keep on going until I get into college. I like to read every day now, when before I wouldn't. This class is really helping my reading.- (FALL 2010) T.B.

Personal Priorities

1) I can talk with my boss. 2) I can understand my customers. 3) I can talk with my friends. 4) I can move easily and understand the store clerks. E.B.

...Makes Me Stronger

The Dominican Literacy Center has impacted my life by making me a more confident person. Since I came to this school, I have become a stronger speaker. I have strengthened my vocabulary and pronunciation. In addition, I understand better what is happening around me. This school is an excellent place that educates and reinforces me throug the years I have studied here. - (FALL 2010) J.G.

Professional Property

Since coming to the Dominican Literacy Center, I can talk to people more easily. This helps me at my business, Jai's African Hair Braiding Shoppe. Now, I also read more newspapers and magazines and I enjoy this.- (FALL 2010) L.S.

The Path to Knowing

I have learned how to read and write much better since I have been attending this class. I am so happy that the school board recommended me to this class. I have learned a lot since I have been going to school here. I have learned to spell better, and I want to learn much more. - (FALL 2010) B.S.

Add It Up

The Dominican Literacy Center has made me see my strengths and weaknesses. I have found out that I am stronger in addition than subtraction. I really appreciate my tutor, because she has made me see that I can do anything I put my mind to. - (FALL 2010) L.A.

People Around the World

I go to the Dominican Literacy Center, because I would like to improve my knowledge. The English Lessons help me speak English with all kinds of people. I like working with my tutor, because she is a kind, smart person. She explains everything well, I have also felt encouragement from the staff. Going to the DLC has impacted my life in a very helpful way. - (FALL 2010) N.P.

Learning to Love

I arrived in the USA from Yugoslavia in January, 2004. I was very happy but also scared. To build a new life without family and friends was not easy. My English was very bad also. I wanted to learn nd I found the Dominican Literacy Center. In the DLC,I met Sr. Marie, my tutor Vanda Skuras, Kimberly B. Darling and many interesting people. They were all very kind to me, especially my tutor Vanda. Vanda helped me to speak better, read and write English. I learned a lot about America's history and also we use computers. In 2006, I lost a person who was very dear to me. Vanda was with me in my difficult time. We become friends. Sisters from the DLC helped me too, and i really appreciated it. Now, I am studying for citizenship and I am sure that the DLC and my tutor will help me again. I am very happy and proud to be a student at the Dominican Literacy Center. I love you, Vanda. - (FALL 2010) AA

Making Progress

The DLC has been working with me to learn to read, write and to study with my work. The sisters and tutors work with me to imrpove to get my GED. - (FALL 2010) W.T.

Self-Evident Progress

Dominican Literacy Center has a big impact on my life, as do all the services that they provide to people like myself and others; from tutors, to resources on the computers and one on one help each time I come. My main goal in coming to Dominican was to be good at writing sentences, paragraphs and learning how to use all of the eight parts of speech, and by far I have accomplished the above goals.- (FALL 2010) J.T.

Limitless Possibilities

My life has gotten better since I have come here. My teacher is a good worker and all the people are nice to me. I am looking forward to all the things that I can accomplish when I learn to read. - (FALL 2010) T.A.

See More Good, Hear More Good

I have more confidence because I know more sounds, words, meanings and their pronunciations. I have excitement knowing that I'm learning and someone has patience with me. Dominican is a wonderful place to grow. - (FALL 2010) M.K.

Coming to America

Dominican Literacy Center really impacted my life. In the time I have spent in the DLC, I've learned more words. I can read, write and spell them. Now I learn how to use verbs in past. In my conversation, I start to use contraction. All this helps me connect with the people at work, in stores and many other places. I can understand them [people] better and have conversations. DLC helps me not to be shy to say what I need or what I want. It makes me more comfortable in this country. Thanks a lot to my tutor! - (FALL 2010) O.M.

Bare Necessities

I understand more English and I read better than I used to.- (FALL 2010) A.K.

Faith & Hard Work

I am so glad that I came to study at the Dominican Literacy Center. Many nice people work at this center. They help students believe in themselves.It's a huge project and hard work every day for both the tutor and student.- (FALL 2010) L.B.

Mass Appeal

Dominican Literacy Center has impacted my life in so many ways-like being able to read a menu at a restaurant. I always knew I wanted to improve my reading skills and I knew I needed help. So, one day, I was online and heard about the center. I came in and was tested. Later, I started with my tutor in May and have gotten enough confidence to work toward getting my G.E.D. It made such a difference to work on-on-one, which I had never had ebfore. Also, I very much wanted to be able to read and teach my daughter how to read. - (FALL 2010) T.D.

Summer Time

My favorite season is Summer. I like Summer because it�s hot outside. I enjoy walking my dog and I like playing with him.-(SPRING 2011) R.M.

Spring Flowers

My favorite season in Michigan is the Spring, because the weather is not too cold or hot. I love seeing the beautiful flowers grow, leaves and grass turning green and kids playing outside. - (SPRING 2011) T.K.

Long Days

I like Spring for the flowers and the warm weather. It is not too hot. The days are getting longer. - (SPRING 2011) G.J.

Easter Dinners

My favorite season is Spring and my biggest memory of Spring is Easter. Easter is my favorite holiday time of year because I like to get together with family and go to church and then come home and have dinner. My favorite meal is ham and/or lamb and sides. - (SPRING 2011) T.F.

Hot Days

My favorite times of the year are Spring and Summer. I just love hot days like there are in May, June and even July. That�s my time of year, that�s my favorite season in Michigan. - (SPRING 2011) P.B.

Wine & Coffee

I have memory of the Summer season. When I went with my friends to Lake Huron. At the Lake we went swimming and tanning. We made shish kebob and drank wine and coffee. - (SPRING 2011) K

Birth Season

Summer is my favorite season because of my birthday and I can do a lot. I can go out and play with my family. When I�m playing with my cousin, Meir, we either play ball or a game called �Read to Me and Spell the Words. - (SPRING 2011) M.R.

Halloween Treats

My favorite season in Michigan would be Fall. The season changes the color of the leaves on the trees from dull brown to bright red and yellow. Also, there�s no snow on the ground. The best part would be that it is time for �Trick-or-Treaters�. I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!! - (SPRING 2011) K.E.

April Showers

What I love about Spring? I like that I know Summer is coming. I do love working in the yard and knowing my flowers will be beautiful. I do enjoy knowing Mother�s Day is coming and I will see all of my children at one time. Last but not forgotten, we all know April showers bring May flowers. That is what I love. - (SPRING 2011) S.P.

Old Family

My favorite season in Michigan is Summer. Last Summer, my kids and I went to Africa. We get to see old family. It was very big fun. - (SPRING 2011) S.T.

The Flooded Joint

It was the Summer time out at Inkster park on my Grandmama�s birthday. That�s where we celebrated it at. Everybody was there, it was a flooded joint that day. The whole family was there. We had a great day that day, because we were all together. - (SPRING 2011) M.H.

Family Reunions

I like trips with my family during the Summer. One Summer, we went to Benton Harbor, MI for our family reunion. We played ball and danced. We had a great time! - (SPRING 2011) B.S.

Birds, Blooms and Breezes

I love the Summer time. I love to hear the birds singing every morning when I wake up, feeling the nice breeze outside. I love the Summer time watching the flowers bloom outside and watching the squirrels run up the tree. - (SPRING 2011) J.K.

Winter in Balduck

I enjoy the Winter season in Michigan, because of the snow. This winter, my niece, Sarah and I went sledding. We went to Balduck Park and had a lot of fun. - (SPRING 2011) L.S.

Grandchild Time

My favorite season is Summer. My best memory is going to Frankenmuth. Also, I like to spend time with my grandchildren. - (SPRING 2011) R.B.

Winter Ways

My favorite season in Michigan is Winter, because I like cold weather and snow. I was born in Siberia and when I was young, I played ice hockey all the time and every day I went skiing. In Michigan, I go ice skating every winter. - (SPRING 2011) V.P.

Sunflowers & Gazebos

My favorite season is Spring, I like sun. I have many sunflowers in my garden. Sunflowers have many colors. In my garden, I have yellow, orange and brown flowers. I have rows of various heights. I like sitting on my patio. I watch my growing sunflowers. I have a beautiful gazebo in my backyard. - (SPRING 2011) R.T.

Malls & Movies

Summer is my favorite season. I can go outside and hang with my friends. We can go to the movies and to the mall. Also, I like to help people with their groceries. In the Summer, I also like to roller skate. - (SPRING 2011) T.B.

Family Fishing

I like Summer the most, especially when I am fishing with the family. I enjoyed going fishing with my wife and kids. It was fun to watch the kids catch fish. They were very happy. - (SPRING 2011) J.H.

Planting Time

What I like about Spring are the warm gentle breezes and plants popping up from the ground. It�s also the time I go to Eastern Market to buy colorful flowers. Then it�s planting time. - (SPRING 2011) G.A.

In the Fall

The Fall colors are beautiful. I love to camp and fish in the Fall. - (SPRING 2011) A.N.

Creating Company

In Spring, the Earth is just right-not too hot, not too cold. In May you can see the beauty of God�s creation. I remember planting Diefenbaker, a plant tall enough to touch my ceiling. It has a wonderful smell and connects me to nature. It is a fine background for pictures and excellent company. - (SPRING 2011) J.C.

Diamonds in Coal

I like going to Kensington park. It is a beautiful place to enjoy my weekend with my friends. We play volleyball in the water and we make a barbecue dinner. Our specialty is baked potatoes. We put bacon and garlic in them, wrap them in foil and cook them under the coals. They are unbelievably delicious. - (SPRING 2011) R.P.

Warm Days & Cool Nights

My favorite season is Summer, because the days are warm and the nights are cool. I also like that the days are long. It allows me to get a lot done in the day light. I also like Summer picnics, because of the good food and the company of my family and friends. - (SPRING 2011) O.C.

In the Garden

My favorite season in Michigan is Spring because it�s nice outside and it�s time for gardening. I like to grow vegetables in my garden. I grow tomato, cucumber, cabbage, green pepper and eggplant in my garden. - (SPRING 2011) S.K.

Dogs & Mushrooms

My favorite season is Summer, because I like to swim and walk my dog. I also go up north and pick mushrooms. Last Summer, I picked two bags at Stoney Creek Park. It was fun. - (SPRING 2011) I.R.

A wish for a beautiful home

If I were granted one wish, it would be to have a beautiful home in a well-kept neighborhood. A large living room with a baby grand piano, a dining room and a garage built on to the house would be nice. So once I am inside, I don't have to go back outside to enter the house. I used to think it was impossible for a black family to live so elaborately. Things have changed now. It is very possible to own almost anything you desire. If you have the necessary knowledge and the right attitude and execute it the right way, you can or should achieve your wish. E.W.

If I had one wish...

I have a wish to finish my GED. I have two more sections to pass. After finishing my GED, I'll get a better job. My new job is going to be a pharmacy technician. I also wish that more jobs will come back to Michigan. More jobs will give people hope for a better life. This will help to stop crime. I also wish for peace in the world. R.J.

My wish for peace ...

If I had just one wish, I would end all wars. No more fighting over religion. No more killing over oil. No more ethnic cleansing over land. No more suffering over water rights. No more war about anything ... anymore. By Bakeel Kassem transcribed by his tutor Paul Moro B.K.

Obey for harmony

If I were granted one wish it would be that everyone in this country obeyed our laws. Think about it. We would have peace. We wouldn't have to fear each other and perhaps this respect would lead to a nation of harmony. J.M.

Bless the families

If I was granted one wish, it would be great to lessen human suffering. I am saddened by the number of disfunctional families, problems of addiction, crime and disease. Our politics is often aggravating. Progress in changing this world would be wonderful. In the meantime, I do wish to do my small part to bring about these changes. J.C.

The schools need our best wishes

If I were granted one wish, it would be to fix up Detroit Public Schools. They need new books, more teachers, more students, new desks and new buses. We need to hire new people, get a state grant and get the cooperation of Detroit citizens. Let's restore Detroit to a better city. LaLinda Brown L.B.

More learning

If I were granted one wish it would be for me to finish college. My daughter has always encouraged me to go back to school and learn more about computers. But I have always wanted to go back to school to get a degree in engineering. But before I can attend college, I must know how to read and spell. I want to show my kids I can go back to school to learn because I want to set an example for them. I wish for them to stay in school. Randy R. King R.K.

A half dozen wishes

If I were granted a wish, I would wish for six more wishes. They are: 1. I wish the world would be safer. 2. I wish I was financially stable. 3. I wish my sister and my father were in better health. 4. I wish I had better communication with my daughter. 5. I wish the world wasn't so cruel. 6. I wish the world would take the mental health patients more seriously. S.L.

An innocent, believing child

My friend was telling her husband that she wanted a new car. Her husband told her it was too expensive and they couldn't afford it right now. Overhearing the conversation, their 5-year-old son said, "I know what to do. Just ask for a car for Christmas. It's free if Santa brings it." My wish is that there are more such families with such children. I wish that they live in peace without terrorism and that it is always possible to have such a conversation. Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future. Written by student Elizabeth Vojcik E.V.

Oh, to be reunited

If I was granted one wish, it would be to bring my two sons here, to the United States. More than anything else in the world, I want to see my children living with me. R.P.

For the children

If I were granted one wish, it would be to form a team of people that have the passion that I have to build a program that will assist children and older youths. This program would give and empower each child with tools they need to succeed in school. All schools should provide an education for children to be prepared for global living. This will lead to peace and a stronger United States. I have an idea to give children what they need to learn and become more successful in school. We need to bridge the gap. Some children learn differently than other children and they need support. Some have a hard time understanding. Some don't focus or know how to pay attention. Others don't have the skills, direction or support to keep them from struggling. This program will build their confidence and keep them interested in learning and not to give up their life to crime and illiteracy. And our future will be brighter. E.H.