Kids Tell Us: "Why I Read"

Summary

The speaker shares their transformative journey from disliking reading to finding joy and empowerment through literature. Initially uninterested, they were introduced to a book by a teacher, Miss Dickerson, which changed their perspective. They discovered the importance of reading for pleasure, without pressure, and the freedom to explore topics that interest them. The speaker emphasizes the educational value of reading, the excitement of learning new words, and how it can lead to personal growth and better life choices. They also mention the social impact of reading, as it can alter one's path and defy expectations, ultimately leading to a realization of one's potential.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker initially disliked reading but changed their perspective after being introduced to a book by a teacher, Miss Dickerson.
• 🔍 They realized that disliking a single book doesn't mean they dislike reading in general; there are books that suit their taste.
• 🌟 Reading without pressure and for enjoyment is a key to discovering the joy of reading.
• 🚀 The speaker encourages challenging oneself to learn new and bigger words, showing a personal fondness for the word 'gigantic'.
• 🎉 Reading is portrayed as a powerful tool for education and personal growth.
• 🚗 The speaker reads whenever and wherever they can, even in situations where it's not recommended, like reading in the car.
• 👀 Reading is referred to as 'reading mode' by friends, indicating a time when the speaker is not to be disturbed.
• 📈 Each book the speaker reads is liked more than the last, showing a growing appreciation for literature.
• 💖 Reading evokes emotions and helps the speaker to learn more about life, making them happy.
• 💡 Books inspire the speaker, making them believe in their own capabilities to overcome obstacles.
• 🤯 Reading has had a transformative impact on the speaker's friends, changing their life perspectives and ambitions.

Q & A

What changed the speaker's perspective on reading?

The speaker's perspective on reading changed after being given a book by Miss Dickerson, a teacher they initially did not like.

Why did the speaker initially dislike reading?

The speaker initially disliked reading because they felt it was not enjoyable when it was done out of obligation rather than for pleasure.

What does the speaker enjoy about reading for fun?

The speaker enjoys the freedom and lack of pressure when reading for fun, allowing them to read at their own pace without any constraints.

How does the speaker feel about education and reading?

The speaker views education as a powerful tool and believes that reading can be a fun and enriching experience if one finds the right material.

What is the speaker's attitude towards challenging themselves through reading?

The speaker is eager to challenge themselves by learning new and bigger words, showing a positive attitude towards self-improvement through reading.

Why does the speaker like the word 'gigantic'?

The speaker likes the word 'gigantic' for some reason, though the specific reason is not provided in the script.

How does the speaker justify reading in the car despite the common advice against it?

The speaker justifies reading in the car by mentioning that they eat a lot of carrots, implying that their good eye health allows them to do so.

What does the speaker's friends call it when they are reading?

The speaker's friends refer to it as 'reading mode', a term that signals the speaker's focus and unavailability for conversation while reading.

How does reading make the speaker feel?

Reading makes the speaker happy as it allows them to learn more, explore different aspects of life, and feel emotions through the stories they read.

What impact has reading had on the speaker's friends?

Reading has had a profound impact on the speaker's friends, leading some of them to realize that the streets are not for them, indicating a change in life perspective.

How did the speaker's expectations of themselves change after starting to read?

After starting to read, the speaker felt more confident and believed they could achieve college education, showing a significant shift in self-perception and aspirations.