Many people like Sandra think they’re the only ones who can’t read. Most are surprised to learn that millions of other adults can’t read. And they are often surprised to find out who those people are.

Emma Torrez, from Santa Clara, California, was discouraged about her job prospects. That's when she happened to tune in to a TV show starring Curtis Aikens, a celebrity chef. Emma watched Aikens confess to a national audience that he was illiterate and taking adult basic education courses with the support of his employer. “That totally shocked me,” Emma recalls. “Curtis Aikens is my idol.”