Corner Brook -
Upon first glimpse of Tim Humber, the imposing young man appears to have all the attributes to succeed in life.
After sitting down and hearing about his life-long struggle with behavioural disorders and learning disabilities, there is mainly one quality he has thrived on to get him to where he is today - determination.
Humber was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and learning disabilities as a child. Sherry, his mother, said she was told by medical professionals he would never attend school or hold down a productive job.
However, it was evident from the get-go, this pair was not ready to accept no as an answer.
Humber started at Pasadena Academy unable to read. With the help of a special needs teacher and a student assistant at school, and his mom at home, he graduated high school.
Afterwards, he enrolled at the College of the North Atlantic. Again with the help of a student assistant, he finished a one-year welding program. Unfortunately, his learning disabilities prevented him from fully completing the instructional component of the course. He received a record of achievement instead of a diploma. While his shop work skills were exemplary, he said he couldn't grasp the classroom work.
He has applied for some jobs in the industry, without success. He feels he just needs to be given a chance, for an employer to look beyond his inefficiencies to his strengths.
"Put me behind a welder and I will be good," he said, adding it is frustrating and he wishes there was a welding job available for him.
Humber, who now lives in Corner Brook, continues to struggle with reading, unable to comprehend what he calls "big words."
For the past couple of years, he had a desire to put his positive skills to good use and believes he could accomplish that in the reserves. However, there's another familiar obstacle. Last week, Humber failed to pass the exam required for acceptance - again, it was the written word holding him back.
Not deterred by his failure, he immediately scheduled to take the test again in three months. He says he wants to help people, and sees the reserves as an avenue to do that.
While Sherry hasn't been too keen on the idea of her son joining the reserves, she realizes its importance to him and is offering her full support. Sherry, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy (NLLLC), will be tutoring her son in preparation for the re-test.
Humber has some reading ability, but Sherry wants to expand that so he doesn't get so intimidated with problem solving questions like those on the reserves test.
"He could have left there saying, I am not doing it anymore," she said. "But, Tim never ever gave up, on whatever it was."
"I have been trying to get into the reserves for a while now and I will do what it takes to get there," Humber added.
Sherry has seen this type of determination from her son all his life, and it makes her proud.
"Tim, in every way possible, more than anyone can imagine, is a success story," she said through tears. "There's no doubt about it.
"He is going to make it, Tim is. It might take him some time to get things, but he is going to make it."
Today is Family Literacy Day, and Sherry would like people to consider volunteering, regardless of how much time they can give, to volunteer with the Laubach Literacy Council.
"There are so many people like Tim out there, that the only thing holding them back is they mightn't be able to read those words, no matter how hard they try," she said. "If they have a bit of one-on-one help, somebody who is willing to sit down with them, they will succeed."
Humber himself, hopes others hear his story and learn from it.
"I hope other people, who have the same problems I do, know they should never give up," he said.
