As an elementary student, I always wanted to be better and smarter than anyone in my class. I always had a book in my hand, not because I was forced to, but because I wanted to. I would finish the entire Summer Reading Program at the library within a week and be forced to impatiently wait to get my prizes until the proper dates. However, as I got into middle school and high school, I lost all interest. I got so caught up in playing sports, school work, and spending time with friends. Even the books assigned in English class didn't appeal to me. There were some that I never even opened. Needless to say, SparkNotes became my best friend. My grades definitely started to reflect the poor choices I had made. If it wasn't for my love of writing that saved me, I would have been in a sunken ship long ago.
The first day of Etymology class really opened my eyes. I am being graded on outside reading? I have to read 100-150 pages each week? You must be trippin, Mr. Hill. However, I took this as my opportunity to get back on track. Sure enough, the second day of class, a friend recommended a book to me and I read nearly 200 pages the first night I had possession of it. All day at school I was fantasizing what could possibly happen next. The characters of the book almost seemed as if they were my friends. They were all I could think about.
Reading has become my newest interest. Now, I guess I'm "that nerd" taking advantage of any opportunity to read. It is beneficial in so many ways: tremendous learning experience, offers entertainment, and acts as an escape. It's my own escape from reality. Who needs drugs when you have books?
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