Literacy is a never-ending process whether it is a formal or informal curriculum, it will always make a difference for the good of all people no matter what age. Several years ago I met a very mild soft-spoken women Cecilia Kruse (Ho-Chunk tribal member) who is employed by the Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services Department. Throughout the years with my endeavors of travels from California to Wisconsin we have kept in touch with one another. One day I stopped at her office to take care of some business matters, thereafter I ask how is your (Hi cu zak) granddaughter Erika? "Cecilia had that (Kooneek ah) grandmother look! "You know that real soft smile, with the sparkles in the eyes" Cecilia shared a clipping from the Banner Journal regarding her (Hi cu zak) granddaughter Erika Fay winning First Place in the elementary division of the Modern Woodmen Creative Writing Contest. I asked Cecilia if I could put this in the newsletter, she had that look of hesitation, "I don't want people to think that I'm bragging" I replied "No not at all" this type of article should be shared with our people" For those who don't know Cecilia, she is a very modest soft-spoken women.

The article reads like this:

I Made A Difference by Erika Fay
When I was younger about the age of seven, my brother wasn't in school yet because he was three years old. That is when I think I made the biggest change in his life. I think that I could have been his teacher for his younger learning years in school. I cared about what his grades were going to be. Yes, I sure did. Almost everyday after I got home from school my mom would arrive soon after me with my brother who had just come from the babysitter's house. Then I would usually set up my room so that it would look like a classroom. I had my desk in one corner, a desk in the middle of the room with some blank pieces of paper by it, and I had a dresser drawer that had all my art supplies in it pens, papers, pencil sharpener. In that room I taught him the basic letters, numbers, measurements, and mathematics. I taught my little brother, Jesse, almost everything I had learned earlier that very day. Most of the time that wouldn't happen so I taught him just like the teacher had taught me, and usually it took practice, practice, practice, and a few more practices, than finally almost perfect but not quite. During that afternoon I would let him have a snack and a recess. On the weekends those times were longer anyway. By the time that he was ready for school and tested by the sister at the private school he was going to (at the time I was attending that school too) the school thought that he had been in a Headstart before he was applying to go there. His dad said that "It must be from brains passed down to him or something". I couldn't believe it! He was taking credit for my hard work and teachings but not for long. My brother told the sister that his older sister had taught him every thing he knows. I was happy after that. Whatever you do, don't think that it wasn't for anything because I bet. I just bet that the person you did if for thinks the complete opposite. This made a difference.
Ho wah (Oh my) just cute! We kooneek ahs (Grandmothers) and Cho kahs (Grandfathers) can appreciate the same joy that Cecilia has for her Hi cu zak (Grandaughter). For our readers of ages please send in something special that you would like to share with the Hocak Worak.