Madison woman uses Literacy Network services, becomes MPD officer

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) -- As a child, everyone dreams about what they want to be when they grow up, and for one Madison woman, her dream job was finally in reach.

But it would take the help of a local non-profit to make it a reality.

"Since the age of 8, I've always wanted to be a police officer. But not just a police officer, I wanted to be an officer with the Madison Police Department."

Growing up on the east side, Lyjya Miles said it was the positive impact from the officers in her neighborhood that inspired her dream.

"It was the things that the Madison Police Department did for me that I don't think the officers realized they did that affected my life and helped me become who I am today."

But finally becoming an officer didn't come easy. Initially, Miles didn't pass a test given to MPD applicants.

"When it comes to things like reading, speed reading, that's kind of where I struggled a little bit, but that's definitely where the Literacy Network came out and helped me."

Like the new Literacy Network building, at the corner of S. Park St. and Dane St., many of the people who seek out their services are a work in progress.

"There's 55,000 people here in Dane County who could use our services. Right now, we're serving about 1,000 students each year, and really it's not enough," said Jen Davie, Literacy Network's development director, "we've got to be able to serve more. We have to be ready for them, which is where this building kind of came into play."

Davie explained how a larger, more versatile building would help someone like Miles reach their goals.

"It's really a person blossoming and understanding that, 'Absolutely! I can do this!'"

And Miles couldn't agree more.

"The talents were there, I just needed someone to tell me that they were there. Nothing is impossible, and nothing worth having comes easy."

Miles will be sworn in as a Madison police officer on September 12th.

For more information on the Literacy Network's services, or volunteer opportunities,