My Literacy Journey: Adolescent Years

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     When I think about my middle school years (6th-8th grade) I cannot recall what books I read,

 my English teachers' names, or any projects that I did in English class. I'm not sure if this is because I 

have a bad memory or if it is because my literacy experience during those years doesn't offer much 

compelling to remember. I have sat and tried to really think back to those years, but nothing about 

my literacy journey jumps out. Truth be told, I'm not really sure that I had a literacy journey until I was

 in high school. I do think part of the reason is that I did not begin taking learning seriously until 

I was older and books were not really part of my home life growing up. It's sad to think about since

those were important formative years, but thankfully when I was in high school that changed!

    High school is when I began to think about reading outside of the classroom and it began with 

personal growth. My discipleship leader at church (and English teacher at the time) encouraged me 

to read books that would challenge me and help me in my spiritual journey. One book in particular that 

I remember reading and still have to this day is "Passion and Purity" by Elisabeth Elliot. I remember 

looking at reading as a way to improve "me" and to use it as a tool for growing in my faith. 

    The other part of my life where I started to enjoy reading was at school. While I cannot remember all 

the novels I read in school, one that sticks out to me is "Night" by Elie Wiesel. I remember my English 

teacher at the time taking a significant amount of the school year to read and create activities for this 

book specifically. I understand the importance of that now as I reflect more closely with the themes the 

book offers as well as the account of "Elie" during the Holocaust. However, the teacher that had the 

greatest impact on my literacy journey was Mr. Zaslow. He was my Spanish teacher in high school, but 

he was so much more than a language teacher. He had a way of introducing poetry and various 

writings from Spanish authors as well as relatable topics for journaling. Mr. Zaslow made learning 

fun because he had a passion for what he taught and it was evident. It was enjoyable to be in his class

 and have discussions that helped his students think while also listening to others and their 

perspective. He knew how to make his students feel comfortable sharing. 

    One of the things I hope to bring to my time with my students is for them to see my passion for what 

I am teaching and that they would see me as their cheerleader and know that I believe in them! That is

part of what made Mr. Zaslow's class so great to go to!

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