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CHRISTINE'S STORY
Christine was struggling to support her children’s education when she found a Barbara Bush Foundation family literacy program. She was able to graduate high school through that program, go on to earn her associate’s degree, and plans to enroll in college to become a teacher and share her love of education with others.
Read Christine's story below:

Christine Adkinson finished high school with the help of a literacy program supported by the Barbara Bush Foundation. And because of that, she went on to graduate from Polk State College. Like many adult learners, Christine’s return to education was inspired by her children.

Christine is a mother of four who moved to Florida to pursue her dreams. She was working as a custodian at a local elementary school, believing this was the best way both to work and be near her four children. In the fall of 2007, Christine enrolled her family in a family literacy program.

Christine first struggled to understand how best to help her two youngest sons learn. Both have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Christine looked back on those days and shared: “The gift that the Barbara Bush Foundation gave me was the gift of how to be a learner and a teacher. I’m a mom of four, and that gift of being a teacher is profound,” she said.

Christine added, “When I graduate next week from Polk State College with my Associates Degree, I’m planning to enroll at Warner Southern University, and I’ll major in education because I know I can be a great teacher.”

“The gift that the Barbara Bush Foundation gave me was the gift of how to be a learner and a teacher. I’m a mom of four, and that gift of being a teacher is profound.

— CHRISTINE, PROGRAM GRADUATE

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