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When reflecting on my journey as a reader, I asked my parents what my first word was! I learned that my first word was "ball," which is so ironic and meaningful. Growing up I played many sports, and had such a strong connection to athletics. I think it was no coincidence that my first word had something to do with sports!

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My family means the world to me! They are the people who helped shape me into the person I am today! I have one sister (Molly) and we are only 16 months apart, she's my best friend. I also am lucky enough to have 2 loving parents. I grew up in a home of educators, so I had constant support with my education. My parents read to my sister and I as kids, and still encourage strong reading habits.

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Junie B. Jones will always have a special place in my heart, as this series was the first real books I read as a child. I remember actually wanting to read these books, and that is a feeling I didn't experience much as a child (I really didn't enjoy reading as a child).

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sports were such a large part of my life and greatly impacted the person I am today! Growing up, I played every sport I possibly could. As I got older, I began to express passion for specific sports, specifically volleyball, basketball, and soccer. So much so I played select basketball for 6 years, and 12 seasons of high school sports over my 4 years. Sports as a whole gave me so many friendships and opportunities I will forever be grateful for! I also had a special connection to my dad, as he was a college athlete. I will admit this was a period in my life where reading was put on the backburner. I was so invested in my athletics, schooling, and social life, I never really read for fun.

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My relationship with reading is a rocky one. I have always been someone who loved and enjoyed school as a whole, but reading was always one of my least favorite subjects. Growing up, I was so turned off by reading because of the required readings in class and over summer breaks. It always felt like work, and a chore. Hopefully, this course will help inspire me to build a better relationship with reading.

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WORD: "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane"

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WORD: "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane"

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This book has so much meaning to me. I remember reading and rereading this book for my entire youth. This was the first book I truly enjoyed and never got sick of! I was fascinated with how many different storylines took place all within one book. This was and will always be one of my favorite books!

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As I've gotten older, and no longer play on organized sports teams, I had to find another way to be a part of a community and take care of my health! To do this, I joined Cyclebar in the summer of 2019 and haven't looked back since! This is a fitness community that is so empowering and a constant support system. I am so lucky to have all these amazing people in my life! I feel that along with taking care of my physical health, it's essential I work on my mental health and reading is a part of that!

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Traveling is a passion of mine that has been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, I was lucky enough to travel out of the country and build memories with my family. When I was a junior in high school I traveled to Panamá, which is so special because this was where my Abuelo is from! I was able to see his home, where he went to school, and learn so much more about the culture! This was one of my favorite memories I've ever made. I hope to travel more once the pandemic is over!

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OH MY GOSH! If I could recommend this book to everyone I would! This last summer, I challenged myself to read at least one book during the break. I choose to read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I have never read a book this fast, I just couldn't put it down. This book created a new love for reading and inspired me to read more from this author.

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family truly means the world to me, and I am so lucky to have so many people who care about me! I have such close relationships with both of my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and cousins on both sides of my family! These are the people who raised me and influenced the person I am today! Similar to my immediate family, I've had such strong support systems who want to see me thrive. My Abuela was also an educator and helped me so much with school as a child!

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I love my family so much, I had to show my other side of my family as well!

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my hometown! I grew up in a small suburban town in St. Louis, MO, called Brentwood. It's the type of place where everybody knows everybody and everything. This town helps shape me into the person I am today! Even though I may move as I get older, Brentwood will always be home for me! The education I received in Brentwood School Disctirct is one I will forever be greatful for!