Could No Longer Hide My Functional Illiteracy
“When I couldn’t read the questions on the basic exam at boot camp, I knew I could no longer hide my functional illiteracy,” Cathie* remembers. * Her real name is used with permission. Functional illiteracy is defined as reading and writing skills that are inadequate to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.
Building Blocks of Reading Were Missing
Because Cathie deeply loves her family and respects their privacy, she didn’t go into detail about how her family’s financial and relationship difficulties impacted her early reading skills. “It’s enough to say that I lived with and overcame (with God’s help) multiple childhood traumas that hindered my early education.” From an early age, Cathie utilized coping strategies to hide her reading struggles. “I would lean over to a friend and say, ‘I don’t understand this question. Can you help me?'” or “Will you call out questions so we can study for the test?” Cathie’s third grade teacher asked her to read aloud in class. When she couldn’t read the words, he humiliated her. “Because the building blocks of reading were missing, I couldn’t continue adding to what wasn’t there. My reading abilities stopped in third grade.”
Took Every ‘Hands-On’ Elective
Her fourth grade teacher knew there was a reading struggle and referred Cathie for special education testing. Test results weren’t shared and additional help wasn’t offered. “I stopped trying to learn during my fourth, fifth, and sixth grade years,” she shared. “It was so painful to try to learn when I didn’t understand anything.” 
“High school offered non-reading activities that I could excel at. I took every ‘hands-on’ elective I could take: woodworking, welding, and home economics, to name a few. I was successful when I could learn with my hands.” “I knew I wanted out of poverty. I didn’t want to live in a small town on food stamps. So, I switched my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test form with a friend who had already been admitted to college. Serving in the military was my way out. And the ASVAB test was my ticket in.” At her high school graduation, a teacher pulled her aside and said, “You can’t read.” Relief washed over Cathie. Her secret was out. “Up until that point, I felt like a fraud. I knew I didn’t have the skills I needed to graduate. I regretted not asking for help and for lying and cheating to get by.”
Could No Longer Hide My Functional Illiteracy
“Those ASVAB scores did open the door to the Army for me; however, when I couldn’t read the questions on the basic exam at boot camp, I knew I could no longer hide my functional illiteracy.” When her poor reading skills were discovered, Cathie’s commanding officer told her the military would be kicking her out. “In an attempt to stay, I volunteered for every ‘hands-on’ job: weapons specialist, motor pool, and fitness instructor. Those jobs involved reading, but the pictorial language used in the military allowed me to get by. I knew I had to make myself valuable and useful.” When she was stationed in Korea at the DMZ, Cathie spent countless hours in the library with the librarians. “I asked for their help with learning to read, but they weren’t reading teachers. They could only help so much.”
During her third year in the Army, Cathie’s brief marriage ended. “My frustration with my poor reading skills along with how I was starting to repeat the cycle of broken relationships I’d seen as a child led me to attempt suicide. During a three-day weekend, I barricaded myself in my apartment and drank a bottle of Jim Beam and a bottle of NyQuil.” When she woke, she knew Jesus kept her alive. “I felt His love. He whispered to me, ‘I’m not done with you yet.'” Two weeks after her suicide attempt, a friend invited her to a Christian concert at the Air Force Academy. Mutual friends then invited her to church.
Changed the Trajectory of My Life
Her first visit to church ended with Cathie asking the young man next to her to pray with her as she gave her heart to Jesus. “Accepting Christ as my Savior changed the trajectory of my life.” Nearing the end of her four-year Army commitment, Cathie – then a Sargent- reflected on her next steps. “I knew where my academic skills were and where everyone else’s academic skills were. There was a huge gap. I didn’t re-enlist, because I wanted to learn how to read. I enrolled in remedial classes in Idaho.”
No Way to Fake It
Six months passed, and Jeff – the guy who prayed with Cathie – was now a graduate student at Harvard. Something about him interested her. In a moment of bravery, she called him. They agreed to meet in Seattle for a sight seeing trip. During the drive, Jeff needed Cathie’s help with navigating, so he asked, “What does that sign say?” There was no way to fake it, so she said, “I can’t read. I’m getting help, so I can learn to read.” The contrast was obvious: a woman struggling to read interested in a man studying at a prestigious university. But Jeff believed their differences mattered less than her potential. “I feel like God has called me to be here for you,” he told her. Six months later, they were married.
Cathie joined Jeff in Boston where she continued her remedial classes at Bunker Hill Community College. “Jeff would read and write with me every night. He told me we were in this together.” Psycho-educational testing led to diagnoses of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. “For the first time, I didn’t feel stupid. Those diagnoses explained why I struggled to read, write, spell, and stay focused. Cathie’s determination, drive, and hard work moved her from remedial classes into a full-time student taking regular college classes. “I was so afraid of failing that I worked my butt off,” she shared. Graduating with an associate’s degree in criminal justice (with a 3.9 GPA) proved she was becoming a strong reader. Cathie continued her education and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. With each degree earned, her confidence grew.
Read to Him Every Night
Welcoming their son, Hunter, into their family brought Cathie and Jeff great joy.
“As he grew, I became afraid he would have reading issues like I did, so Jeff and I read to him every night. We took him to the library often.” Hunter did have reading issues, but they noticed it at an early age. Tutoring improved his reading skills and built his confidence. Cathie was beaming when she shared with me that Hunter graduated high school with honors and is in his second year at the Naval Academy.
When Cathie and Jeff moved to Atlanta, she wanted to give back in the very area she struggled. She volunteered to read with middle school students who were identified as struggling readers. “My father-in-law knew why I was volunteering, and he could see the joy it brought me. He told me he could envision me as a teacher. That honestly felt huge as I have always held an elevated view of teachers.” Deciding to try one education course, she enrolled at Central Michigan University. Cathie took more classes and earned a master’s degree in Humanities. She then went on to complete a teacher prep program.
We Were In It Together
Once Cathie earned her teaching certification in special education, she accepted a job at a school for students with severe emotional behavioral disorders and autism. “It was the first time I saw myself as having a career. I had a role that was bigger than I ever thought I could have,” Cathie shared. She moved to an elementary school and was asked to teach reading to her class of special education students. “My first thought was ‘Oh, I can’t,’ but I decided I would give it everything I had. Even if that meant I was strengthening my own reading skills as I taught those struggling readers. We were in it together.”
Cathie developed an insatiable interest in brain plasticity, so she went back to school. She earned her Education Specialist degree in Brain Research. Since then, she’s been a special education lead teacher, a special education administrator, and an assistant principal at an elementary school and a middle school. Functional illiteracy held Cathie back as a young person, but it developed in her a desire to help students become proficient readers and writers. That passion has impacted hundreds of lives.
UPDATE: Cathie’s dream of becoming a principal became a reality! For the 2021-2022 school year, she became the principal of an elementary school in the Atlanta area. Great joy fills her heart at this amazing opportunity!
The Perfect Match
Her passion to pour into others doesn’t just reside in a school building. When Cathie heard about a friend of a friend needing a liver transplant, she immediately signed up to be tested to see if she was a match. She WAS the perfect match. In April of this year, Cathie donated over half of her liver to a woman who was getting dangerously close to the end of the life expectancy for someone with liver disease. Carla will have many extra years of life because of Cathie!
Overcoming Is Life
Cathie believes overcoming is life. “It breathes life, because it gives life. You don’t overcome for you; you overcome so you can impact others,” she shared. She offers this advice: “It’s never too late to start. You are never too old to continue to grow. Your brain has the capacity to learn. Whatever it is, you can do it.”
Wonderful story of overcoming challenges and never letting it keep you from happiness. Congratulations Cathie you are a role model for many!
Thank you , Melony, for sharing Cathie’s story so eloquently. I’m grateful to God for His inspiring and overcoming work In people who trust Him, which Cathie personifies. Thank you for telling her story so well, and thank for your all your work to encourage your readers!
It was an honor to share her incredible story. Cathie’s drive to overcome the struggles she faced as a child is truly an inspiration. I love your sweet wife!
Robbin, Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s only by grace and God’s blessings with instrumental people in the journey. Blessings Cathie Seibert
Cathie is the epitome of an Overcomer….a true fighter with a servants heart! She has truly used her own struggles to bless so many others, especially young, developing minds! I have never seem someone with so much energy and passion and zest for life! She is an inspiration!!
Kati,
From a fellow energizer bunny – thank you for your kind response and heartfelt thoughts. I admire your tenacity and commitment to life – It shows in your family and those you inspire. Cathie
Thank you for sharing this story! I have no doubt it will encourage and inspire others to admit where they need help.
Carol,
You know I am a work in progress but I think that is the story of all of us. -You are an amazing mom and such a ray of sunshine. Heart – Cathie
This is such an inspiring life journey. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Karen for reading my journey – God is writing a beautiful story and I’m just honored to be part of the overcomer family
An inspiring story. Thank you for taking the time to share it.
Girl, talk about an overcomer – When you are ready to tell your journey, I will be right there cheering you on ..Cathie
Thank you Melony for your ministry- I’m so honored and humbled – I appreciate you.
Cathie, the honor was mine. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing the struggles you’ve fought to overcome. The very best part of your story is the passion that fills you to help kids build their literacy skills. I love you, sweet friend!
So proud of you. I am honored to be related to you!!!
Lucy, I will forever admire your talents .. You are an amazing HUMAN who knows how to love and serve others well. HUGS Cathie
Your motivation to continue your struggle to learn to read is “over the top” and you have my total admiration. Your desire and compassion to help others who struggle is a wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sandra,
Thank you for your kind comment – It is really about God’s grace and the people he put in my path who have been my biggest advocates. It’s that what it is all about .. we are designed and created for relationships – to inspire, to encourage, to assist
Cathie! Your journey is amazing! Wow! I have a son with dyslexia and have journeyed with him in his struggle. Your story is inspiring to persevere! Thank you for your raw transparency. God bless you!
Holli,
Bless you for working so very hard to support your son! The struggles that your son walks through each and every day require an advocate and agent of care. Thank you for taking the time to post and comment on my story. Blessings
Seibert,
Your Rock! Thank you for sharing your story! I know you have just helped so many more by sharing your story! I enjoyed working with you at the Oaks. Wow! Look at God! Love your energy!??Keep letting God use you!
Natasha,
Thank you for always seeing the greatness in each and every student – You care and serve deeply and it is an honor to call you a fellow educator along the journey!
What a beautiful reminder that our Sovereign God has a plan for our life. It is His story and we are selected to play a specific role. Under His perfect direction it happens. Our part is to accept the role, act it well and listen to the Director who also wrote the story.
Amen – to a Sovereign God -Love your spirit of Wisdom and Truth! God has designed his creation for one another to be a blessing. My story is really the answer prayer of a little girl who didn’t really understand God but would pray for help for many years. Who knew .. years later the story He would write.
Bless you and thank you for commenting on the story
Inspirational story! So glad for your victory!
Amen and amen – Thankful for the victory .. out of the ashes
I enjoyed reading this inspiring story! Thank you!
Cathie, your story gives God great glory and is a powerful witness for Him!!! You knew God from an early age, which is evident and I am so happy for you that you trusted, obeyed, living out continually an abundant life of purposes God planned for you!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!!!
God Bless You and Yours!!!
Tracy
Thank you for the kind words – I appreciate you taking time to read about the journey and the story of God’s handiwork.
Thank you Amelia for your wonderful comment – Yes God did have his hand on me from the beginning even if I didn’t recognize it. There were relationships and people of faith that would pray for me during some very challenging times in my childhood. I am grateful for the plan and people the Lord provided to guide me along his path. Blessed by design
Thank you for sharing your story! To not only overcome illiteracy, but also to teach others to read is incredible!
Nicole,
My greatest joy as an educator is supporting literacy K12. I’m so humbled and honored to be an educator – each day, I wake up just as excited to be in the schoolhouse.
Thank you for your kind comments
The reason why Cathie is such a gifted educator is because she can personally relate to the students who experience the greatest educational and social challenges. I am extremely lucky to have her as my administrator so that I can emulate her fortitude.
What an overcomer you are Meghan .. Each and every day you inspire me to be the very best I can be. Blessing and More blessing from me to you
Such an inspirational story. She truly is an OVERCOMER!
Thank you Teresa for your kind comment – It’s really just God’s handiwork .. played out with his people surrounding a struggling soul. God is the great designer and I’m blessed beyond measure
Cathie
Cathie, your story makes us realize, it doesn’t matter where you were but where you’re going. Congratulations on earning so many prestigious degrees. You are making a huge difference in the world! Praise God! May God’s favor rest upon you and shower you with many blessings!
Diane,
Thank you so very much for your comments and words of encouragement! – It is all about where we are going and I’m so fortunate and blessed! Appreciate your WORD!
What an incredible story and human! Cathie is one of the most incredible women I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. She has overcome and is now leveraging her life to help others do the same. Thank you for sharing this story!!
Dear fabulous Life coach – Thank you for making the world a better place and serving others! You are amazing and I’m fortunate to have you in my life .. Hearts
Wow! Such a powerful story of hurt, shame, perserverance, overcoming, and LOVE! Cathie, you are such an inspiration to not only the students but to everyone you meet. I’m blessed to know you and your story encourages me to live a life to serve Him and all of his children. Keep up the amazing work! MUCH Love
Stan,
One of my goals is to write a children’s story – so I might need some motivation from a fellow educator and literacy champion! I’m so grateful God has helped our paths cross – Much respect and admiration.
Cathie
One more thing in common :
God always manages to bring and put people in your life for a reason.
Cathie and I are indeed a perfect match as I was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 4th grade. I was fortunate enough to attend special education schools that taught me skills and strategies that allowed me to follow my childhood dream of becoming a physician. Then Cathie came into my life and gave me the chance to continue heading my call from God to be the best I can be.
She is / we are a true miracle
God did join our paths and I knew before I ever was tested that we were a match. The Lord is the keeper of his children and we are blessed to call him Father! IN LOVE and LIVER :} HUGS
I’m in tears reading this! What an incredible story! ❤️
Hannah,
I was in tears trying to relay the story to Melony so don’t feel bad:} It was a long journey and one that I am most grateful to have walked. Thank you
Well girl I knew from the first time I met you, that you were special, you always made me laugh, have the biggest giving heart, and reading your journey I’m even more in awe. I had no idea how much you have overcome, I just knew this wonderful kind, smart, funny, giving woman who got me to wear overalls and sing in front of an entire audience and worked with me to throw one of favorite most memorable events ever. So I wasn’t surprised when I learned you were the donor my neighbor/doctor/soccer/mom Neal-Haley. It just reminded me of how small our world is. I love ya girl. You are awesome at everything you do. It’s been an honor to know you and to welcome you to the overcomes. God bless you and your strength and courage to share your story with us. I know it will touch many,
God bless
Angie Thomsen
You know – I adore you Angie and I just completed reading your overcomer story – WOW! The journey is so special when you get to cross paths with great people. Grateful for you and your sunshine :}} Be Bold: Be Light .. Shine