Ghunta was born into a poor family in a rural part of Western Jamaica. He, together with his brothers and sisters was 1 by a single mother, who often had to make 2 choices about how to make use of their 3 resources, including the choice to send his oldest sister to school, and to keep Ghunta at home. When he finally 4 school, he struggled to catch up on his reading skills for lack of 5 to books.
By the time he entered sixth grade, he could only spell his name, but unable to recognize words or read with 6 . The obvious gap in studying made Ghunta shy and lonely. The situation was further 7 by some teachers who made him feel worthless.
However, when Ghunta was about 12, a young teacher-in-training decided to launch a special reading program for 8 students. Ghunta was the first student to be 9 . That teacher, who was incredibly kind to him, had a profound impact on him. "She did not ask anything of me, 10 that I work hard and believe in myself," he recalled.
Under her guidance, Ghunta's reading skills 11 improved, and he began to have faith in himself. His life took on a new 12 and a passion for writing was burning within him. Today, Ghunta is not only a published author but also an award-winning poet. With hard work, dedication and 13 of a kind teacher, it is possible to 14 hardship and achieve our dreams, no matter how 15 the journey may seem.
