Throughout my life growing up in different stages I did not fully grasp the significance of reading and literacy on my personal growth and development as well as in the performance of the various activities I was interested in such as playing football. I often focused my energies on such activities and as a result, I did not grow up around books. I did not have any home literacy practices or cultures and reading was in fact my worse subject in school. However, over time I have grown into reading and literacy and identified its significance and importance not only in helping me maneuver daily activities and life but also in enhancing my understanding and building a complete perspective of my worldview. Currently, as such, I promote literacy as part of my son's life to enhance his development having realized its significance and because of not having it as a kid.
First Recollections
My first recollection of critically engaging reading and literacy skills exploration is in high school and was majorly out of obligation. The criticality of reading literature in high school and being that they made up a significant aspect of the English language examination provided significant motivation to engage in the activity that I was otherwise so against and had an adverse relationship with. As a football player, I was also obligated to reading the football playbook to enhance my learning of various football tactics and winning strategies that I would then attempt to implement during practice. Often such readings were in conjunction with the team or a fellow football player and as such enhanced discussion and better understanding.
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The Autobiography of Muhammad Ali was the first book that piqued my interest. Being a sportsman and looking to develop a career and professional practice in football, I looked up to other prominent football players and sportsmen who I would idolize for mentorship. The Autobiography of Muhammad Ali was indeed a significant inspiration to my goal and aspirations, totally worth the read. I also read about the arts specifically the Manchurian Candidate which was a required reading assignment for a literacy project and also because Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. Some of the stories I have engaged in writing from a young age include the imagination and visualization of my autobiography containing various lessons and teachings I have learned in life that I would want to share.
Literary Experience
As a result of not being such an avid reader in my elementary and middle school levels in addition to the realization of the significance of reading, I noticed a delay in my lack of exposure to reading. The lack of exposure has left me exposed to a limited perspective and worldview as an adult which currently fuels my reading and literacy habits. At present, I have a collection of reading material in-house that I spend time educating myself and expanding my vocabulary. I read something motivational or strategic every morning, I wake up as a method of inspiration to others or for personal gain and also engage in reading and studying different aspects of the physical world I live in as a literary practice of understanding my surroundings and the society in general. Reading for me is currently a way of gaining knowledge, an entertainment practice as well as a way of socialization and reconnecting with people around me. It helps shape my life experience by enhancing my discovery and knowledge of different aspects of life.
Impact on Current Attitude and Practices
Lack of adequate reading at a young age and the inherent realization of the significance of reading and literacy in life, in general, have shifted my attitude and practice towards more reading. As a sports person, I generally enjoy sports, motivational, and strategy books which help build my understanding of sportsmanship. However, my recently picked interest in reading has shifted my interest and attitude towards reading and literacy to more scientific subjects such as sociology and philosophy to not only enhance my literacy skills but also my understanding of life and humanity which I am a part of. I also presently encourage my son to include and collect reading material that is of interest to him so that he does not experience the same delay in his reading comprehension as I did. This I believe should also enhance a development of a significant perspective of life and worldview which will help him become more successful in any of the endeavors he chooses to engage in. I also engage in writing short quotes and poetry just to practice my writing and literacy skills to further develop a direction and motivation for my reading and literacy activities.
Current Changes in Students Attitudes
While students and generally the human population are still interested in reading and literacy, the majority of the reading and literacy practices have been shifted to the online and digital domains. This enhances the possibility and potential of wide-scale reading and literacy given the easy accessibility of a wide range of information and literacy practices. The development of films through adaptation of books also provides significant alternatives to reading as literary practices which have inspired many people to engage in literacy through watching or creating movies and films. Ultimately the reading and literacy discipline has been effectively revolutionized by the internet and digital platform making it more interesting, flexible, and effective for readers and students of all ages and study levels.
