Marianne M

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Nina Koelpin & Margo Buti: Two Women, Two Lives, Two Varying Histories with Literacy

Nina Koelpin and Margo Buti may seem to have much in common on paper. Both women were born in the late forties, both were part of the Baby Boomer generation, coming of age in the fifties and sixties when women's roles were drastically evolving, and both were the eldest children in their families. These two women could not have been more different if they had tired, though. Nina grew up loving reading and cherishing books; Margo read only when she was required to and did not enjoy reading at all. Nina grew up in a middle class household with two college educated parents who supported and encouraged her along the way in her pursuit of education. Margo grew up in a working-class household, neither parent having finished high school, and not receiving any support or encouragement from her family when it came to her education. Nina went to college, sought a career for herself, and continued her education to the highest level possible, eventually earning her doctoral degree. Margo completed two months of key punching school immediately after high school for the sake of having a trade, began a family, and never once considered post-secondary education. What really influenced Nina to go down the path that she did with her education? What motivated her to forge a career path for herself and seek knowledge at the highest level possible? Why did Margo never consider post-secondary education? Why was Margo never able to develop an appreciation for reading? As I studied the oral histories of these women in comparison with my own, I searched for answers to all of these questions and wondered if my own history with literacy would support or oppose the answers to these questions. Most importantly, would the answers to all of these questions somehow bring me to a deeper understanding of the relationships I have with each of these women?

Link to audio file:

Interview with Nina

Nina's Literacy Biography:

Literacy Biography Nina[1].doc