Meet Shelley Breau, this year's Literacy Learner

After a lifetime of literacy challenges, Shelley Breau of Souris is proof that it is never too late to go back to school.

"I was a little nervous, but I was proud of myself to make the effort and go forward and do this for myself," Breau, 46, told Island Morning host Matt Rainnie.

As a child, Breau often spent time away from school and in hospital at times for up to a month for treatment for a condition that affected calcium levels in her bones, blood and kidneys.

When Breau was able to attend school, she says she was teased and bullied for her lack of literacy skills and learning disability. Because of the way she was treated at school, Breau admits she was discouraged from attending.

"That made me stronger, too, because I wanted to prove to these people who told me I'd never get my education ... I was just very determined that I was going to prove them wrong.And, here I am," Breau said.

With the help of a $500 bursary, she was able to attend Holland College this year and improve her literacy skills. Her goal is to eventually complete her General Educational Development testing.

As this year's Literacy Learner, Breau will share her experiences at Friday's PGI GolfTournament for Literacy at the Belvedere Golf Club. The event raises money for programs at theP.E.I. Literacy Alliance.