Joe

Just wanted to write and let you all know that after two attempts "Joe" did not pass his exam. He is depressed and anxious about what this means for his future. We realize that he likely did not pass, truly, as all other avenues for failure were dealt with. We are left wondering what do to help Joe. He can try again next summer and if he studies hard this year and acquires a tutor, he may succeed. But the reality is that the odds are against him. However, I have never paid much attention to the odds and in Joe's case a little encouragement may go a long way.

As for me, I appreciate my high school education more than ever before and even more so my chance to attend University. We in Canada, as in many other places, are spoiled by the educational opportunities afforded to us. I hope to never hear a complaint about education in Canada from my own lips given the challenges to simply complete primary school with the ability to read in places like CAR.