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READING LEVEL 4

Dropping Out to Take Care of My Family

by Marco Albarran

Marco Albarran is a student at North Kansas City Schools Adult Education and Literacy in Kansas City, MO. He is originally from Acapulco, Mexico. He has been working in the restaurant industry for 17 years. His goal is to complete his GED and start his own business. He came to the U.S. 10 years ago looking for better opportunities for his son.

Something that set me back in life was the death of my father when I was 17 years old. When my dad died, I had to start working. I tried to stay in school, but my mom wasn’t making enough money. I dropped out of school so that I could work more and help my mom. I have two younger sisters. I felt responsible for them. I helped them finish their studies. I supported them economically and emotionally. My mom and I provided for our family. Our family experienced a big change when my dad passed away, but I played a role in helping our family survive. Being part of this change made me a stronger, smarter person. Now I have the opportunity to finish school. I feel proud. I am showing my son the importance of school. My mom and sisters are happy for me and proud of me. They are supporting me.

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