by Margaret from Blantyre

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Growing Confidence

The first time I came to class I was very nervous. I didn't know what to expect or if there would be anyone I knew. The lady who ran the class was called Elisabeth, she was very nice and helped me to gain confidence in my reading and spelling.

Through the years I surprised myself because my reading and spelling wasn't that bad. My confidence grew which made me feel better in myself.

There was a position up on the board at work for a Line Leader. I wanted that job but didn't know if I could do the paper work. That's what kept me back but something inside me said go for it so I went for an interview, impressed the boss and myself. He told me the ideas I had would benefit the factory.  So that week I got my white hat which showed I got the job. It was a good feeling.

A couple of months into my new job all the line leaders got sent upstairs to meet the manager. He was pleased with the things we were doing and he had noticed a change on the factory floor. Then he came out with "We are sending all the line leaders on a course to become line managers. I have spoken with your managers down stairs for them to give you all the help to get through this course". I was in the corner thinking I'm going to get found out that I'm not a strong reader and I can't spell, everything was going through my head. I've worked hard for this white hat and this course would take it away from me.

I went home that day my head was sore, couldn't relax and I didn't sleep that night. My confidence was down. I was thinking to myself, I wish I didn't have this problem with my reading and spelling, I want to get through this course.

I spoke to the other line leaders about the course just to hear what they had to say. To my surprise they were all nervous as well. We went on the course in groups of twelve, the group I was in we all helped one another and the tutor was good as well. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but with the help from my brother-in-law and Shirley I passed, we all passed which was great.

Margaret from Blantyre

Webmaster replies

This is a good new story and shows what can be done when you really want it.

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