Final answer:
Curtis Alkens's statement about literacy coaches signifies the life-saving impact of literacy in his life, paralleling the transformative experiences of figures like Frederick Douglass. Literacy plays a vital role in individual empowerment and is fundamental in shaping life trajectories. Magic Johnson similarly aims to provide life-changing opportunities for others.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Curtis Alkens says that his literacy coaches "didn't change my life, they saved my life," he is emphasizing the profound impact that literacy coaches had on his existence and personal development. This statement means that learning to read and write, with the guidance of his coaches, was not just an improvement but rather a crucial intervention that provided him with the tools necessary for survival and success. The role of literacy and the profound effect of literacy coaching reflect the transformative power of education as seen in the accounts of historical figures like Frederick Douglass.
Magic Johnson, much like literacy coaches, seeks to empower others by providing them with the opportunities and resources to succeed. This desire to help others achieve competence and overcome obstacles can be paralleled to the role of literacy coaches who significantly contribute to shaping a person’s life trajectory.
Education, especially literacy, often serves as a critical turning point, offering a path to greater personal freedom, understanding of cultural history, and the ability to combat issues like racism through expanded knowledge and critical thinking. This reflects how learning can truly be 'for life' by profoundly influencing how individuals view themselves and interconnect with the wider society.