Literacy And What It Means To Me

Even as a young child my fondness of reading was strong. I begged my parents to read me a story at night before I went to bed. Sometimes it was a short story or one they made up, but either way it had meaning to me. It was as though I was taken to a far away place and put into a whole different way of life.

Now, at times, I wonder where I would be if I had not had literacy. For example, I probably wouldn't have the imagination or interests I do today. I might have taken famous paintings for granted or the architectural buildings we see today could have been a bore to me. Because of the books I have taken interest in, I have learned to appreciate these things. Life would have a completely different meaning without literacy.

Literacy gives people the option of choosing what genre they enjoy. Whether it is adventure, fiction, fantasy or even non-fiction it gives a whole new perspective to life. Maybe it could help us to appreciate certain things we have, and we should always keep it a part of our life. Whether we are very young, or getting up in years, we can still find the time to enjoy a book.

Amanda Andrews

Age 13-19