From the beginning my mother read to me. When the time came she helped me read and sound out words. I remember her placing a fingertip over certain letters and saying “sound this out” or “what is this word?” Even still she is always trying to get me to read an article, or she is reading something from the newspaper on how to lessen the stress in my life with some breathing exercise. Despite all this, I feel a reluctance to read; it is not pleasurable for me. I do, however, love to write.
I remember in second grade we had a free-write exercise every day. My story would spill over on to the back of the page and when the teacher said it was time to put down our pencils, I never wanted to. I was not inspired by any particular teacher, just inspired in general… enthralled by the act, motion and feeling of putting my yellow pencil to paper. Nor was I inspired by the school setting, because when I was homeschooled my writing excelled and I wrote more than when I was in school. In high school my teachers liked my writing and always thought I could do something great with it. One teacher insisted that I should send her an autographed copy of my first novel. My professor at Crafton Hills College also thought that with some work, I could publish some of my short stories… I have not been met with such enthusiasm since I have come to this university, however.
My father is a very skilled writer and was always helpful when I had questions, needed input or just wanted him to look over something for me. Having this resource also pushed me along and ensured that my writing skills progressed and continually improved. Now... essays and analysis papers, research papers and structured journal entries occupy my time. I am constantly learning new things from the university and its various teachers; new terms, ways of viewing things and approaching writing assignments….
To sum up the history of my literacy…..I owe my reading skills to my mother and my writing skills to my father. The university has also deepened my knowledge and added to my repertoire.
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