John*, a mentee in the Welcome Home program in Montgomery County, used to say, "I can't read real good." What he meant by that was that he couldn't read at all, despite the fact that he was a high school graduate. Besides his name, there were no other words that John could spell, and only a few words that he could read, taught to him by other cell mates.

But not reading well just wasn't acceptable to Welcome Home Program mentor, Ms. J. Persistent, hardworking, and always affirming, Ms. J began taking hours out of her day to spend with John, tutoring him in the ABCs and basic language skills. Ms. J always reassured John not to worry that he was using kindergarten and 1st grade books, but to focus on the fact that he was learning.

A few weeks into their tutoring sessions, John had a test- to write the days of the week. Ms. J was certain he could do it, and reminded him that all the words ended with the same three letters. But after just a few minutes, John shoved his paper across the table, filled with what could only be described as gibberish.

"John, take a minute and think about what you've studied and please try again," Ms. J urged her mentee, as she pushed the paper back to him.

After a few minutes more, John wrote the words and pushed the paper back. "I'm done."

Looking at his paper, Ms. J saw that all the days were written correctly. "Great job!! I knew you could do it!"

And then, beaming a wonderful smile, John exclaimed, "That's the first time in my whole life I ever correctly wrote seven words on a piece of paper."

Just seven words...but a jolt of self-confidence so desperately needed.

*Name has been changed