While strolling the asiles in the grocery stores, I would look at the products. I soon realized that the pictures on the cans had words that told what was in the can. In other words, the pictures encouraged me to learn the words in order to identify the contents.
At a very young age, I was allowed to participate in the church choir. I always had a song book and would follow along pretending to know the words. Soon I began to recognize words that I was being taught at school. This made me proud and eager to learn more.
Reading has always been a very important component in our family's unity. I always felt that I was expected to become a good reader because it would help me make good grades.
I had many good teachers in my first years of school, but one in particular was Mrs. Houchen. She took a lot of time and had much patience with all the students. I remember feeling proud that I was considered "gifted" in reading.
