For me, reading was always encouraged. from kindergarten to sixth grade, in my classes we would "write books" and 'get them published'. at the end of the year we would have 'authors night' where we would have the chance to read our book to the whole school, and students' family members. for us, reading and writing for this process happened daily. Instead of nap time, my mother would say lets go read books, and me and my siblings (I have 4) would all go to our rooms, or sit in the same room, and each read. I loved to read. My parents read to me every night. I would read to them. I would read to my siblings. reading brought me so much joy, which made my parents proud.
What motivated me to go to college is that it was never an option for me not to go. My parents always told me I was going to go, so I never thought of life any other way. However senior year, I decided teaching would be fun; I could work with kids, get summers off, it would be great. A few short months later, my parents separated and started working on a divorce. It came to my attention that I needed a job, we had no money, it was time to grow up. Seeing the struggles that my family back home is going through reminds me everyday why school is important. They are my motivation. I want to finish college not only for me, but so I can help my family as well.
Both my parents went to college, although I am uncertain of the details. My mom went to San Jose State and my father went somewhere in Colorado. I believe they both got their B.A., but then again I don't really know. Stories from 'college days' were never told in my family. Looking back now, this seems strange; most other parents I know openly tell their kids of their 'crazy college days', or how hard they studied in college. My father's literacy background involves reading documents for work. He is a real estate developer, when the market is doing well. My mother is continuing her education, to become a naturopath. She reads to better herself all the time though. Maternity books, books on divorce, stories that are inspirational. She does this for herself, but also for her kids I think.
My family always supported my education path. I was the one who asked to be in A.P. classes in high school, I was the one who pressured myself to get good grades. As long as I was trying my best, they were happy. My schooling wasn't a focus in their life, but life education was a priority. I went to an elementary school when we never got grades, didn't have tests, never put into categories. There we were taught to express ourselves just how we wanted, learned to communicate effectively, learned to take pride in who we were as individuals. To my parents, this form of education gives them more pride then any letter grades I've ever received.
I wish I could say I speak another language. The closest I can say to that is I try to speak another language. I took 5 years of Spanish in high school, and loved every minute of it. I went to my friend's house as often as I could, to speak with her family and practice my Spanish with them during dinner. One time I met my friend's grandmother, who could only speak spanish, and held a conversation with her. I would watch spanish movies, and listen to spanish music just to get better. I'm not fluent, but I do try to continue learning spanish so hopefully someday I can say with confidence that I do indeed speak spanish.
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