It's honestly wholesome to see someone in their adulthood still have their childlike self with them as they grow up, so many people lose that. Wish the best for this man.
@@LilXancheX Makes Sense… sometimes I feel this way. I had a bad childhood and was shielded and very sheltered. I grew up not knowing anything about the outside world. Had to learn everything on my own . I still feel like the inner child lives within me. I feel I struggle being an adult.
@@LilXancheX if you're that ignorant and have a tough life, you will understand the outside world. Sometimes, some people just keep that light and spark in their life no matter what they go through.
@@lenaramoon4617 Exactly. Especially after going to jail. It's not that he doesn't understand the outside world. It's that he hasn't allowed it to kill his spirit. I also struggled with depression and anxiety, but I was a nerdy bookworm who grew up reading everything I could get my hands on because books were an escape for me. I don't know this young man, but I'm very proud of him and I wish him all the happiness in the world.
He's very emotional intelligent and not ashamed to express his emotions. There's so much power in a man who is not ashamed to show his emotions and be real.
0:54 He's not lying. I grew up in the special education system, and they really did restrain us for acting out. Anything ranging from being too quiet or not knowing how to do something, to having an uncontrollable episode, they would lock us in to a padded cell room at school for up to an hour or two until parents came to pick us up. They would never actually try to help the students. They just locked us away until it wasn't their problem. I actually had a friend for a few years who didn't know how to read during that time, and whenever the teacher would call on him to read something out loud to the class, he would say he can't, and they would lock him in the padded cell room until his parents came to pick him up for misbehaving in class. From the year 2008 to about early/mid 2014 is when I was in the system, and they were some of the worst school experiences of my life. In addition to getting locked away, the teachers would swear and yell at the students constantly, make fun of our disabilities, calling us names, and wishing we were dead to our faces. After the summer of 2014 I was home-schooled until 2017, where I then attended junior high for two years. That.. was a mistake. After that, I attended one-and-a-half years of high school before being home-schooled again until graduation. I'm still in contact with my friend who couldn't read all those years ago, and to no surprise, like this guy in the video, he still can't read.
Well at my school it’s certainly not as bad thankfully, well I’m not sure as I’m not in special education but I do see the special ed teachers put the kids in a little padded room when they got loud, which they always were and it seemed a little mean. But hey hope you’re doing better now man. The school system is pretty trash as a whole.
The special education in my state just helps students with a speech therapist and other therapist they need. In fact, they made a reading club for students who struggled and gave them gift cards at the end. So, now I can read a long book in like 4 hours. Moreover, I’m not struggling in college. I thank god for my state special ed program.
True ! In kindergarten, my special needs son was sent to 7 hour in school suspensions everyday for 2 weeks. I had no idea, the school never told me. He was put in a room completely by himself - and cried all day until he fell asleep. He was also called stupid by teachers, which affected his self esteem and determination to be in school. The education system is a a JOKE
This is just sad. I was a special ed student with concentration and focus (ADD and selective mutism). I had to go to a different classroom with a couple of other students for classwork that was a grade or 2 lower than the grade I was currently in at the time (or at least I think it was) for my elementary school years. Then, I wasn't in middle and high school. All I remember is that the teachers didn't really teach us ways to concentrate, focus and help ourselves in elementary until I was in high school where there were classes for that purpose.
It is sad how the educational system failed him and so many others. But… it’s wonderful that he is done with that being his excuse not to do & learn something. Very inspiring, now I am inspired to do something I’m not good at.
Your educational system is ruined and focus on feelings instead of facts and God. Me and my classmates always here joking about how easy it would be in America (in terms of academics). We have had classmates who were slowest in our class who migrated only to get endless awards.
@@aliciasam5239 it was a spelling error, but this is a perfect example. Ppl with higher iq normally would’ve pieces that together. People in the US “out score the uk”
I graduated high school illiterate with the help of my husband I learned how to read at 23 and found out about the book community I read a book every 2 or 4 day now have been reading for over 20 years I’m so happy to see someone like me stepping out on faith and and not being scared to speak up about there learning disability
Dude u ain’t alone. Dyslexic here . I learned to read thr newspaper . Reading my local newspaper articles on crime around my neighborhood. And I too hav PTSD d v survivor here. So yea I’m happy u doing u . Your glowing man your glowing .
I’m dyslexic also. The only reason I able to read now is my parents put me in a class/subject that a doctor was doing that uses Sign Language to help children with our reading difficulties. She was awesome!
@@nancysantamarialatica1141 Hey don’t Dis yourself! The fact you taught yourself to read, by reading the newspaper shows your intelligence! I know I couldn’t do that. I’m impressed.
There's something DESPERATELY and URGENTLY broken within society when education funding is based on community. The systemic racism and prejudice is devastating. He is a bad ass, resilient and beyond everyone and everything that tore him down, like he continued on. Bro. I'm sorry and thank you.
Bruh if he can’t read in 2023, there’s no way he’s intelligent. Resilient, strong, hopeful sure, but anyone of even average intelligence would’ve been able to read in his position.
@@leguminous7564 Hi, I'm an assistant for an English Learner's Development class. Reading is very difficult and does not come intuitively. The fact that this young man overcame illiteracy as an adult by himself proves that he's probably more ambitious and intelligent than the average person.
@@carolinenhitran6327 If reading is very difficult how is it possible for the vast majority of people? I'm sure he had a terrible education system, but I'm equally sure plenty of people graduated his school having learned to read.
This isn't a new story. That's awful that underlying racism stopped adults from doing their job and helping a child. Then some people wonder the conversation about race keeps coming up.... the dude is 34. Not 60, not 80..... 34.... what the heck. I hope America's education system does better by children of all cultural and economic backgrounds. Good for him for taking his education and future into his own hands unapologetically.
Exactly! He's a MILLENNIAL. This isn't a story from the MLK days. This was recent. It's devastating and demonstrates how much work still needs to be done. I'm so happy he's turning this around, though. All the best to him.
But it’s not just about race, our education system is broken, has been broken for a long time. It needs a complete overhaul! We’re failing kids of every background and it’s heartbreaking!!
@@purplepeopleeater5355 But in his case and others like him, the reason why was racism, not strictly a failed education system. In his case and all others like him, fixing the system and not the racism would still have led to the sane outcome. We have to address racism as a separate issue
@@purplepeopleeater5355it may not just be about it, I agree but it is a huge huge problem. I work in the school system and have a district position so I work at many. I see it all the time and have been working with others to improve things.
I've never seen a man so happy istg. He just looks and sounds so sweet, I'm so glad he's finding so much enjoyment in learning how to read. It's horrible how he was treated as a child, but I think we can all tell that he's going to break that cycle of mistreatment for his own children and many others. I imagine story time is very, very fun in his household 💕💕
*"I ain't got no time for no bars! I ain't got no time for no clubs!"* This guy's going to be big. We're going to be seeing more of him in the future for sure.
This has restored my faith in the RU-vid algorithm. This is exactly the kind of uplifting energy I crave. What a sweet soul and fearless man. Emotionally honest and passionate. I’m going to start reading again and stop taking books for granted.
I feel for this guy so much. My mom taught me to read herself so I was reading by first grade. Which is great, because my education essentially stopped at 4th grade when I developed severe mental illnesses and started being bullied by every teacher due to them. Add this to having been bullied by the teachers for having a SEVERE lisp and "not holding my pencil right", and by high-school the teachers were calling me a terrorist and locking me in a closed. My one escape was books. I could escape into another world, or learn about topics on my own terms. I can't imagine having to grow up without that.
As a tutor, he seems like the EXACT sort of student I would LOVE to teach. If he was anywhere near this enthusiastic as a child, I would've been delighted to have him as a student. I always tell my kids the only thing I need from them is to try, and I can take care of the rest. It's a shame the system failed him.
Reading is pretty important. I had a roommate in a psyche unit, once, who couldn't read. I don't know what his diagnosis was, but he was in the unit, because he tried to kill himself for being non-reading. Kid was good looking, interesting, good at communicating, athletic. Just could not read. Oliver seems to be like this kid. Good natured. Just missing out on a crucial part of the human experience. I got a big head start on Mr James, I'll admit, but I see him catching up eventually. Maybe after he finishes book, No. 100.
This is why you should never judge a book by its cover but the honesty and bravery he has to fix and seek help with his reading shortcomings is honorable and inspiring. Those who cant read should follow this mans example.
i take reading for granted. i had a great education, and i would say i read/write pretty well. i’m in college now and probably haven’t read an actual book since middle school. this video honestly might’ve changed my mind about reading a little bit everyday.
I grew up in a really small rural area and now that I'm older I can't believe how lucky I was for how small of a town I lived in. I could not read until 3rd grade and I had a speech impediment that I started working on that school year. My teachers knew I was falling behind on reading and put me in a specific group that struggled. Thank goodness it worked (though I think I learned more out of spite because I hated that group and the teacher who taught us 😅😅). Same with my speech impediment, once I learned what I was pronouncing wrong I was quick to learn. I just think about how this could have been me, that I would have never learned unless someone was willing to help. You're doing amazing man!!
This guy reminds me so much of my son. He's 8. Special needs. I got him interested in reading by letting him create a private tiktok & forcing him to read comments I would leave him. He's still behind his classmates, but he's an awesome kid. Wouldn't trade him for the world.
“In that time zone.” Amazing that a person can grow up to adulthood in a 1st world country and not be able to read, and amazing all of the little things we know that we take for granted just because we read about them or saw the words in a book. I am legitimately glad and proud of this man for stepping up and bringing this to the public. Keep up the good work bro, making a good example for others.
I think he would be a great teacher for children. Not even in the traditional sense, but like coaching a little league team. He just seems like a sweet person and a great role model for them to look up to and learn from
Yay!!!! I love when social media is used for good. I’m so glad he’s been able to achieve his goals I hope he continues to reach out to people and inspire others.
Good job Oliver. As i am getting older i also question our educational system and the lack of awareness of mental wellness. When i think about hard times, i cant remember anything about school. Goes back to the importance of basic needs. You reminded me that I should read and write. Thank you for the inspiration!
Be Kind🌸🖤 this is the energy!!! i’m self learning also learning few i wasn’t taught in school.. mainly my biggest struggle was reading aloud! i highly recommend reading aloud a few times it takes your confidence to the stars! back when i was in high school i struggled in my favorite class theater i always loved acting had few teachers try to help me but i didn’t have the same confidence i do now as adult! I’ve also learned more from listening also it’s helped me socially. currently i’m working on getting through Paris by edward rutherfurd i’m loving it! i never knew where a book could take you, also with how i was brought up i have few different unique views of it and some characters!.. NETFLIX i’m down to chat! ❤ ( it would be based off of the book btw ! )
What an amazing guy. Bless him. I hope he has great success in his future endeavors as well. He obviously is very intelligent. It’s sad the the adults in his life treated him so poorly and didn’t actively try to help him. The book community can be very beautiful and helpful like this. I’m so glad so many people reached out to him.
This makes me so happy! I had a horrible education, (no education from the age of 11 until 17) abusive household and mental health illnesses including agoraphobia. I’m now 19 striving to get my education. I can’t tell you how much this motivates me 😭🥲
This guy is so precious. This just warmed my heart ❤️ 🥰. I love reading and I love to hear others talk about their passion for reading and when someone finds a new joy in the craft I get excited! Congratulations guy, there is so much freedom on the other side of those words, I can’t even begin to express to you how much your life is going to change.
What a charming individual with a wonderful and beautiful personality, no wonder the book club was so warming. They wouldn't have respected someone who didn't respect them or themselves. Bravo
His joy for reading and bettering his life is refreshing too see ❤! Example of how it doesn’t matter what you were born into.. you can change your mindset and life !
Nice to see a man being able to express his vulnerabilities. He is a hero. Wish more men would follow in his footsteps. There is a world of people who will reach out to help you if you express your needs. Wishing him all the best.
Yo..... I really feel like he is me in some way. I am a really bad reading and was trying to workout and read at the same time before I hurt my knee. I am disable and had a smilier up bringing to him. But never got into as much heat as him, and I have a hearing/ speaking disorder. Being in a class room like that you feel like you have not hope and you don't see anyone like yourself anywhere. I have so much respect for this person and this is all I know about him, because as a disable person still learning how to read in there 30's I get it.
I respect Oliver so much. There have been times when I've been weak at something, and I've been ashamed to admit it. On another note, I've found that working out and getting fit has increased my confidence in other areas of life. It's good to do. It took me a long time to find a fitness routine that worked for me. Glad I didn't quit.
Aweee good for him! I'm so happy for him. I didn't learn how to really read until I was 16. I know exactly the excitement he's talking about. Once you explore it's like something unlocks and you just want to take in all the information and knowledge that you can.
Im on booktock sometimes to find out new releases and if a book is good enough. I love this. Watching someone gain the love i have. He has the enthusiasm i had as a kid. I remembered when I really got into reading was when i was able to read my first chapter book in 1st grade. I then started reading several chapter books a day. I was so proud of myself. My mom is a reader. The library staff literally all know her because she goes twice a week. We’ve been at this current library for 20 years now. My mom would take me with her growing up and shed let me spend as long as i wanted picking out books. Now im older and in med school so i tend to buy books now because i have less time to read so if i rented it would mean possibly loosing the book before finishing
Side note: i did gymnastics growing up, I used to stretch for an hour every day because I wasn’t naturally flexible and i used to read sometimes when stretching. Takes your mind off stretching. Sometimes i would watch tv or just listen to music
I love how we as a society can be more transparent and share things these days. It feels good when you don’t have to go threw things on your own but instead have others listen, understand and help. 💯🙏
I’m glad that people can come together to help someone. It’s so important to have these positive communities that do good. The more we help others, the more we’re helped in return.
