Haven Edmunds already drives a truck fully equipped with a GPS. However, years ago, he struggled in using what is already a very common and popular machine. Although he was already in his teens and with a driver's license, he hardly could write his name or read. Fortunately, he received the help he needed from a group of volunteers.
Edmunds is unlike many teens his age. Aside from he busied himself at work than in school, he also struggled with literacy. As to why it happened, his father, John, explained in an article published in the Tennessean.
According to him, John, a truck driver, was usually out on the road to work, leaving Haven in the care of his mother who home-schooled him. However, marriage troubles happened, and his education went completely ignored. By the time he wanted to get his son back on track with his education, he realized that not only was his son incapable of reading, he was also struggling even in spelling his own name.
John then knew they needed a more professional help. He wanted to hire a personal tutor, but the rates were too much than his paycheck could afford. Sending him to a regular school might only expose his son to humiliation and bullying. His search landed him to Sumner County where he found the Literacy Council of Middle Tennessee that gave free tutoring classes.
At 15, Haven, who was then working as a roofer, started getting these free literacy lessons from volunteers. Every day he read a variety of reading materials, learned new words, and expanded his vocabulary. He also learned other subjects including social studies and geometry.
Today, 18-year-old Haven is close to receiving enough credits for high school proficiency. He spends about 2 days every week learning and working with the volunteers in the council. He works two jobs on the side including driving a wedding truck, and maintains his own checking account. Most of all, Haven is no longer afraid as he can already do many things.
