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Reading for me represents a journey of ups, downs, successes, and a few failures along the way. Growing up, I was the kid who would rather do a hundred jumping jacks than read a book. Reading just wasn't my thing. My mom is a teacher, so it was hard being held to a standard of which I never thought I would be able to reach. I struggled with reading and comprehension throughout elementary school into middle school. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my reading habits, or lack there of, my writing and vocabulary skills were pushed back as well. However, in my 6th grade year my story took a turn for the better.

My 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Parker, assigned the class many books throughout the year to read. These weren't you're typical, "read the book and take an A.R test" assignments. Mrs. Parker was the first teacher to ever introduce this thing called, "novel notes" to me. For every book assigned we had to take detailed notes on each chapter, including unfamiliar vocabulary that we would found throughout the reading. It was during this year of my life in which I was truly challenged to read, comprehend what I was reading, and actually enjoy the reading. I obviously continued to come across various obstacles, and still do today, but it is truly amazing to see the growth of my reading and writing from one simple teacher who was willing to push me, because she knew I was capable of more.

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My sophomore year in high school I had to read a book for "summer reading."  Normally I hated summer reading.  Summer is called "summer" for a reason.  But this summer it was much different.  The required book for that summer was titled, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, and I loved that book. The book is about a girl named Lina and her experiences and survival in a Siberian work camp.  I found a love in reading that would continue with me to this day.

That year I was required to read multiple books throughout the semester. However, my teacher allowed us to choose whatever books that we wished to read. I loved this idea. At this point in my life I still wasn't a huge reader, but I loved the feeling of freedom I had to choose my own books for class. This was probably the biggest turning point in my reading career. I read so many books that were interesting and fun to me. I found myself not even being able to put the books down. I even began reading books that weren't  assigned or required for class!

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Now it is difficult for me to find time to read books that I enjoy, simply due to the fact that I'm constantly searching for more time in the day to do my assignments for classes.  On the other-hand, I do try to find specific time in the day, either morning or night, to read my Bible. Faith is an important part of my life and identity.  I have found that the study and time spent in the Scriptures, Old and New Testament, has also had an impact on my reading journey. Not only has the Bible increased my knowledge of God and my faith, but it has challenge me to read a variety of rich literature, historical and theological.

After all those years of arguing with my mom, because I didn't want to read, I now understand the importance and beauty if literature and writing. There's so much to discover when you open the pages to a brand new book. I wish my love for reading would have started earlier in my life, but we all have to start somewhere I guess. My journey just happened to begin a smidge later. :)