The combined benefits of the training courses plus the counseling have lifted me from a very low state of confidence and self esteem to a point where I am participating in situations where communication with people is important, such as running meetings, negotiating wages for the employees I work with and playing the piano in front of an audience. None of these looked feasible during my first 20 years. I have learned so much about study and literacy that I have been able to help less fortunate people to see hope in being able to learn and be able to study and expand their word knowledge and skills. There is so much data about life available that one can understand what is going on with people and the world around one, and see positive ways to help, that you feel optimistic about the future, since there now exists better ways to handle life.