-
Introduction to reading
I remember being introduced to picture books in kindergarten and I loved them. I loved that picture books helped me vision what was going on in the story. -
First book fair
Sometime in first grade, I attended my first book fair at school. Unfortunately, my mother didn't send me with any money so I couldn't buy anything. However, I was happy to be there and I loved seeing how many stories were brought to life. There were countless books for me to look at and countless stories to hear. Isn't that the best part of reading? There's so many experiences to read and learn from. -
Library card
Sometime during this year, I got a library card. From this point on, my mom frequently took me to the library for me to check out books. -
Attempted to write my own story series
I started to write my own book series. I wanted to be an author because I loved reading and what the authors created. I'm not giving my ideas away of the plots I created but I would start illustrating and then I'd add words to my story. -
Read my first chapter movel
My sister wanted to help me advance with my reading skills. We enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movies together so she had me read the first two novels. She would also create an exam after I read each novel to quiz me on my book knowledge. I had a blast reading the books because of how much information was missing from the movies. Not only that, but I felt like I was apart of the story. -
Twilight
In 2009, I discovered the Twilight series and I was obsessed. So I decided on my own to read the entire first Twilight novel. When I finished it, I felt proud of myself for reading another novel by myself. Reading became an enjoyable experience for me where I could forget everything. -
Depression
2011 was a rough year for me, I was 13 and dealing with horrible depression. I had a difficult time acknowledging my emotions and nowhere to run. I thrifted a couple Chicken Soup for the Soul books and I had a different experience with reading. These books introduced me to emotions because these were stories about real people like me. I felt understood for once. I thought reading was for fun and adventure but I learned that reading could help you with your emotions. -
AP literature
During my senior year, I took AP literature for my English class. I struggled at first with the workload but it did become one of my favorite classes. We spent the year reading through five novels, the advanced and mature content was fascinating to me. Each book had a powerful theme and lesson that easily could be applied to my own life. I felt like I came out of each novel with a new perspective. -
Writing MY own novel as an adult
During the pandemic shutdown, I had a lot of time on my hands. I decided to start writing my own fictional novel based on an idea that came to mind. I felt like it was a different experience versus when I attempted to do so as a child. My adulthood and lifelong experiences made my writing and ideas stronger and powerful. Unfortunately, I never got to finish because of time. However, this project is making me reconsider finishing my novel. -
Future Teacher Perspective
I have two years left at NSU before I become a teacher. I am lucky to have had a wonderful experience with reading. Reading has brought magic to my life, helped me connect with my emotions, connect with fictional and non-fictional characters, and taught me valuable principles. I want to make sure that I can be the teacher that will help my students love reading as much as I did.