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Andrea Parks

Williams

English 111

10-3-22

My Literacy Support

Literacy is something most of human society is taught as they are being raised, and they

will continue to learn until death. I never understood how much my life is surrounded by literacy

until recently. The development may come fast to some, and slow to others, but we all have our

personal development stories and ways. Personally, I don’t generally enjoy reading. I used to be

the kid who hated reading and recently I have begun to enjoy it more and more. Writing on the

other hand I do enjoy. Writing gives me the opportunity to express myself to others so they can

better understand who I am! Along the way, I have had support from people, and events that

have helped me better develop my literacy skills. Some include my parents, teachers, and school

projects!

The first time I can remember reading is when I was a child. I recall sitting in my bed

almost every night listening to my parents read to me. At the time, the vocabulary was

sometimes hard for me to understand but they would explain it to me, and eventually, I would be

reading the books to them. During these times, my imagination ran wild! I would begin to think

of all the possible outcomes of the books, and even sometimes compare the books to my own

life. Reading as a child, made me feel safe, and it gave me a sense of peace! Now, during times

of stress, and panic I take five minutes to read something. Yes, I may still not love reading but
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from something as simple as a kids' book to my bible, reading is a source of stress relief for me

and a time when I can feel safe and calm just as I did when my parents would read to me!

Another event as a child that developed my literacy development, believe it or not, was

because my parents were divorced. Sometimes, it was hard for me to understand and handle my

feelings of having to leave my mom or leave my dad, and not live a “normal” life. With that

being said, I began a journal. At the time, I felt like I had no one to talk to, no one who truly

understood me and my struggles. The writing was my source of relief. The journal gave me the

chance to get my feelings out! From the first few “entries” I began to see how writing helped me

in everyday life. Even to this day when I get stressed or overwhelmed I write. I tend to enjoy

writing lists to keep me on track, and notes to help me understand and remember things!

During a time of important development in my life, I had a teacher named Mrs. Henry.

She taught me in fifth grade! She was a teacher who pushed me and my classmates to the best of

our abilities! She took the time to help each individual student grow throughout the year, not just

one. When I first started in her class, I felt writing essays was really the only type of writing we

do in school. At the time it was the worst for me and I hated going to my English classes.

However, she was the teacher who opened my eyes to a new world of writing. She taught me,

and us, that there wasn’t just one way you could write but many! I never understood that I, as a

fifth grader, had the ability to write my own poems, short novel, or in any other type of writing

style. She began to teach us how, and allowed me to experience writing in different styles! Due

to her opening my eyes, I now love to write! I no longer hate my English classes, but I actually,

enjoy them!

Additionally, in her class, we did a writing project that was about the background of your

name. We worked on this project for weeks and took the process at a very slow rate. We went
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through all the parts of an essay and in the end, I had written the best essay I ever have written! I

really enjoyed putting together the research on where my name came from. This showed me that

I can write about myself and it can help me better understand myself, and allows others to see me

through my writing! This easy writing experience opened my eyes to a new world of writing

about myself for others to see!

Finally, my tenth-grade teacher Ms.Chase made the biggest impact in encouraging

me to read. From the first day of her class, I could tell she was a positive teacher, who would

always encourage me to do my best! Instead of forcing us to read something we don’t want to

she would allow us to choose our own books to read throughout the year. Before, I felt English

classes were just teachers forcing you to read but she opened my eyes to a world of reading

choices where I can read on my own! If I ever struggled with reading a book she would help me

by breaking it down or even reading it with me. She always allowed us to improve and gave us

multiple chances!

In conclusion, I may not love reading as much as writing but over the years because of

the people and events that have encouraged literacy, I am growing to enjoy it more! This just

shows you, who you are around can really change how you act and what you do in life! Being

around people who read all the time and enjoy it, I would most likely love reading or vice versa!

I am grateful to have a good foundation in literacy and can’t wait to continue on this path!