Phil Marquis helping others improve their lives

“Literacy is my passion,” said Phil Marquis of Lewiston during one of his recent sessions teaching Linda Santiago, 52, of Auburn to read.

Marquis did not go to college. “Back in those days, if you did not have the money, you did not go to college,” he said. However, after his two daughters, both teachers, “motivated me to teach” he took off on that path.

Five years ago he joined Literacy Volunteers of Androscoggin County, and Santiago is glad he did. “This is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” she said, because five years ago she could not read.

“It was very embarrassing, I felt dumb. It was hard. I did not know how to fill out job applications. I would make excuses and say I forgot my glasses. Being illiterate was hard; then I decided it was time. I don’t care how long it takes … till I am 80, if that is what it takes.”

Marquis works with Santiago twice a week, using exercises and materials and patience and encouragement.

“I am learning things I never learned in grammar school. I am so proud of myself,” she said.

As Santiago reads a list of words, she stumbles and Marquis reassures her, “Good, no errors, Linda. Not bad for a Monday.”

“I can’t read very fast,” she said.

“But you are reading with understanding, and we’re not in a hurry,” he responds.

Marquis gets excited about helping others become literate and the benefits it brings to others.

“Did you know that 18 percent of adults in Androscoggin County read below the acceptable level? I had a student one time that was sentenced to either take literacy classes or go to jail. He decided to take literacy classes. Do you know how much it saves the system to have him do that?”