DISCUSSION:
Begin by asking the group’s general impression of what they read. How did the story affect them? What stood out for them the most? From their responses, you can lead the discussion where parents are interested in taking it.
Here are some questions you might pose to your group:
• Sylvia passes the GED despite failing it eight times and begins college although she is about 15 years older than most of the other students. What qualities do you see in Sylvia? What skills (such as organization, computer literacy, etc.) are helping her succeed? What qualities and skills do you use when facing challenges in your own life?
• Sylvia is concerned that her school schedule will have a negative impact on her daughter. How is her daughter affected negatively and positively by Sylvia’s decision to attend college? How does Sylvia try to make the change as positive as possible for her daughter? How have you prepared your children for a difficult but positive change?
• Sylvia finds college-level work more difficult than she expected. What techniques does she use to succeed in school? What study habits does she pass on to her daughter? How do you guide your children in school? What habits are they learning from you?
• When Sylvia struggles in her English class (despite her writing skills), how does she react? How would you feel when faced with a similar setback? What steps have you taken or could you take in a similar situation?
• Sylvia is aggravated by the behavior of some of her peers. She learns that she needs to block out negativity and remained focused on her goals. When in your life have you had trouble paying attention to yourself instead of your peers? What helped you remain focused on your own goals?
Finally, the group can discuss what they learned from the story and what parts they related to the most. What steps or insights that Sylvia describes surprise them or might help them through similar challenges?
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