# data[].attributes.body
As a small child, my first words were pretty basic: dada and no. My father did not condone the use of “baby talk” around me. I had a very serious attitude and my parents noted that I was a very observant baby. I looked at the world around me attentively.

# data[].attributes.body
This was my first book. It surely was loved, hence the front cover no longer being attached. The book was called “On the Farm” and my mother read it to me as often as I requested. She said I would ask every morning and night, sometimes even during the day. The book lists onomatopoeias that my mother would fully commit to when reading the book to me. This made it fun and memorable for me.

# data[].attributes.body
During my preschool years, I was taught letters and patterns. My mother describes me as a very serious student. I loved to complete projects and assignments. I enjoyed using colors to create my letter and patterns.

# data[].attributes.body
During my early elementary education years, I really struggled with vocabulary and spelling. I was very discouraged to reading due to my struggle. My kindergarten teacher gave each student of my class a reading pet. I named my reading pet, Wormy. She encouraged us to read to our reading pets, either placing them on our shoulders or on our lap. This made reading a fun experience for me, even while struggling to comprehend words and concepts.

# data[].attributes.body
My interest in reading was sparked in first grade. My teacher would take time after every recess to have quiet time and read a book. Her book series of choice was Junie B. Jones. I fell in love with these books. She made the stories so fun, she used tone and expression when reading. I wanted to do that too. That Christmas, I asked for the box series collection and I remember being so excited when I received it. I related to Junie B. because she was a new big sister, just like me at the time.

# data[].attributes.body
After elementary school, I strived to be the best student I could be. My best subject became English. I was in the Honors Language Arts class starting in 6th grade to high school. I was recognized for my hard work, which only encouraged me to work harder.

# data[].attributes.body
My junior year of high school, I was tasked with the assignment of creating an essay of a “coming to light” moment. I chose to dedicate my paper to the moment I realized why my father became a police officer. That was the first essay I ever received an A+ on. My teacher sent the paper to my parents, and my father was extremely touched. I was asked to share my words at the Gary Police Department’s Fallen Officer Memorial Service held in May 2019. This was a great honor and was the moment I realized my writing could make a difference in the life of others.

# data[].attributes.body
My all-time favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I took this book with me to Puerto Rico, after being encouraged to read it by the women of my church. They had recently done Bible study with this book, however, I was unable to attend the sessions. I decided to read it on my own and I was instantly hooked. I remember my family being so upset because I was on an island, reading a book, rather than being in a “vacation state of mind”. My trip was seven days and it took me five days to finish the book. Before I left, I met a pastor in Puerto Rico that I decided to gift my copy to.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my greatest accomplishments (thus far) is the earning of my associates degree from Ivy Tech. While I am continuing my education at IUN, this degree serves as a reminder that my hard work is not for nothing. From the little girl who struggled to read to the woman I am today, I value the process of my growth in literacy. I value the importance of literacy and plan to encourage my students who may have the same struggles I had.