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Justin Mitchell
Professor Lynn Raymond
University Writing 1103
September 18, 2015
A Lifelong Process (Literacy Narrative)
Thinking about how ink print or letter marks on a page can create so much emotion and
imagery, its such a powerful thought. The art of writing. Although writing isnt one of my
favorite hobbies, I feel that I can write well. From a very early age I began developing my
literacy skills. This began the ever-changing process of developing into myself. My family was a
great role model for this, especially when it came to taking education seriously. Learning came
natural to me because I had so many fun toys that taught me skills while I was enjoying playing
with them. I guess you could say they tricked me into learning. As I grew up there were integral
parts to me developing myself as a reader and as a writer. It started with my family while I was
little and transitioned into education, which finally matured into professionalism.
Three years old may seem early for a child to begin learning thing like state capitals, but
not for me. I remember watching video tapes of myself playing with a little educational toy
called a LeapPad. It was tons of fun from what I remember, and it taught me letters, numbers,
early reading techniques, and yes, state capitals also. According to Instructor Web, kids dont
start learning about state capitals until around third grade (State Riddle Lesson Plan). So I guess

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you could say I had an early start. Along with countless hours of fun education, my parents
would read to me every night when I was little. My favorite book was the Dr. Seuss title Go,
Dog, Go! by P. D. Eastman. I enjoyed this part of my childhood so much. I think it was the
comfort along with the aspect of being read to that made it so nice. Over time, with my parents
help, I would be able to read right along with them at night. This was like the ground floor of the
skyscraper that was me learning to read. All throughout my room as a kid, I was surrounded by
books. Whether it was a small picture book, interesting chapter book, or an informative
encyclopedia there was always something for me to read. I actually liked reading more than most
kids my age that I knew. I believe that most of that interest came from my mother. Shes a
college mass communications professor, so she was always reading. Waiting at the mall, on the
road during vacation, or at night on the couch reading is one of her hobbies. With her as a role
model, it was easy for me to pick up on some of the same skills. Seeing her enjoy it so much
made me so much more appreciative of reading.
Education has always been important in my family. Going all the way back to my great
grandparents, someone in each generation was an advocate for literacy. Therere many teachers
in my family so I was always checked on when it came to doing well in school, and I did do
well. My parents would let me write actual letters to my family to let them know how I was
doing. People in my family have worked for the NAACP, an organization that helps African
Americans around the country. One of their main focuses is literacy. Through this organization

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and my familys support, I developed good reading and writing skills that have shaped me into
the successful person I am today.
With age comes maturity for most people, and thats what I experienced around my
senior year. I was put to the test when it came to applying to colleges, for jobs, and for
scholarships. Starting around my junior year I applied for a job at my YMCA. I had to put in my
application and work on my communication skills for the interview. I had to catch up on my SAT
vocabulary and do mock interviews to enhance my professionalism. With college applications,
there were countless essays. This took up most of my summer! The admissions office wanted
something that showed them who you were as a person and why you would contribute to their
college. Knowing this, I had to learn to describe myself in detail and show my personality
through words and expressions. I was learning more about myself over and over again almost in
the same way that Rosaleen from Secret Life of Bees had to practice rewriting her name over
and over to get it right. I changed my style of writing and became more descriptive and realistic.
I think that this was a big part of shaping myself as a writer.
Over my life so far, Ive changed so much. Learning to read and growing as a writer is a
long process which actually isnt over just yet. Its funny how a small education toy influenced
me so much to get me started with working on my literacy. Kids now can easily learn anything
they want to. They have the technology and all the resources they need. According to NYMag,
forty percent of kids use an iPad regularly before they can even talk. With the tools we have now,
the learning process should be as smooth as ever. I know that having something to kickstart me
helped shape me a ton. This process will continue throughout my life as I get older and

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experience even more from different perspectives. I can see how much little things from my
childhood affect my literacy now, and which habits have stuck with me and which havent.

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Bibliography
Kidd, Sue Monk. The Secret Life of Bees. New York: Penguin, 2003. Print.
Lange, Maagie. "Study: 40 Percent of Kids Use IPads Before They Can Speak." The Cut. NYMag, 28
Oct. 2013. Web. 20 Sept. 2015.
"SOCIAL STUDIES - STATE RIDDLE LESSON PLAN." States, Capitals Social Studies Lesson Plan,
US History Elementary Lessons. Instructor Web, 2004. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.