When Jose Martinez was a child, he felt like he was just getting by and not uncovering his true potential. There were so many things he wanted to ask in school, except he just couldn't get himself to do it.
Even as he became a grown man, husband, and father, Jose had the same feelings because of the dark secret he had kept hidden for years: The 26-year-old didn't know how to read and thought it was too late to learn.
Suddenly, something inside him clicked.
Three years ago, Jose began attending church and wanted to learn to read the Bible. Luckily, he found the Rio Arriba Adult Learning Program, where he met the tutor who changed his life, Ernest Cata.
Jose and Ernest met at the Richard L. Lucero Center Library in Espanol, New Mexico, every Friday. Jose felt so grateful for his tutor and wanted his next lesson to be a huge surprise for Ernest.
Jose teamed up with the KOB News Pay It 4Ward Program in order to thank Ernest for all the hope and knowledge he had given him.
In the video below, posted on July 11, 2016, Jose explains, "He doesn't get frustrated with me."
Jose enters the library for his weekly scheduled reading lesson, but this time with a friend: news reporter Caleb James.
The two of them enter Ernest's seating area and the gifted tutor turns around in shock.
An excited Caleb announces, "Oh, you're Ernest!"
Ernest's face of confusion turns into a warm smile once he realizes what Jose is hiding.
To see what Jose's surprise is and to watch Ernest's reaction, check out the video below — you won't want to miss this!
Please SHARE this story to commend Jose on never giving up and Ernest on dedicating his time to those who need him!
