Writing Consultancy, fall 2007

The most important element in my literacy development has certainly been my mom. An undergraduate English major herself, my mom is an avid reader and always encouraged the same in me. Because of her, I spent my childhood reading Lewis, Tolkein, Plath, and Frost. When I was a little girl she bought me a book called 'The Bed Book' because Sylvia Plath had written it. To this day it is one of my favorite books. In addition to instilling in me a love of literature, my mom helped me to realize my love of writing, encouraging me to keep a journal and write letters to my parents when I was angry with them.

Most of my memories of my mom from early childhood involve literacy: reading books together before bed, studying for spelling tests, even writing poems about the election of Jesse Ventura. As I have grown older, these memories have become more dear and the lessons she taught me have gained even greater meaning. When I was sick with mono this summer I filled my very empty days reading books, from travel to memoir to some twentieth century classics. In fact, this renewed focus on my first passion led me to reevaluate my career plans. The end.