Ehtisham Tariq Literacy Autobiography Blog # 1

     I remember my earliest childhood days. I remember the first day I went to school and was crying on the way to school. Being literate is very important in our home and our family. This is because being literate shows that you are a well-educated human being and that you are well-mannered. It also shows that you were well-raised. 

     Furthermore, I do recall a time in my childhood when I was not literate. I was in first grade and had difficulty spelling words. I could not spell words correctly. For example, I would spell the word "Cat" with a "K" instead of a "C." It would be those little mistakes that would make me feel   illiterate.

     To add on, I believe my teachers played a huge role in helping me with my difficulty of writing words with incorrect spelling. My teachers were always there to help me. I also believe my teachers were my biggest inspiration because when I used to see them write and communicate well, that would encourage me to write and communicate well also. My parents were also a big support to me as well because they would take time out of their time and sit down with me and help me to learn how to spell words correctly. My parents also arranged for someone to come and help me with my spelling. My parents, even today, still support me and help me if I need it in any of my schoolwork and even beyond that. They are a big help to me. 

     Furthermore, my teachers and parents always encouraged me to try my best, which did encourage me to do good and always try my best. My parents also helped and encouraged me by having me participate in the elementary school level spelling bees. That way, even if I did spell something wrong, I would know right away and learn how to spell the word correctly. My earliest experiences with literacy were in first grade. I couldn't spell words correctly and I believe that experience significantly impacted my development because now I can spell most words without any problem.  Also, outside of school I would be getting private spelling lessons from someone and I also watched educational shows in which you would watch cartoons and also learn how to spell words.

     In addition, I really began to feel literate when I began High School. This is because before that, I really didn't have sense of most of the words that I learned to spell. I knew how to spell them but didn't know what they mean. For example, I knew how to spell the word "literate" but didn't know what it meant. As time progressed, I learned the meaning of the words, which made me feel literate.

     To add on, I loved watching educational TV Shows such as "Caillou" which helped me learn new things.The TV show "Caillou" really helped me gain a lot of educational knowledge. I also loved to read books with pictures which helped me get a better understanding of what's happening in the story. I am a visual learner and like to see what I learn. It helps me understand the topic better.

     On the other hand, what frustrated me the most was when I learned a certain word and couldn't spell it right. That used to really annoy me. This is because I wanted to get everything right the first time. As time went on, I learned that it's alright if you don't get something right the first time around. That is how everyone learns. You learn from your mistakes.

     To add on, I believe my biggest role model were my teachers. I wanted to be just like them and be well-educated and well-mannered. This is because being well-educated and well-mannered defines who you are. The way you talk and act shows the world how educated you are. It shows them who you are. 

     I believe literacy is very important in one's life. You need it to function in everyday life. When you travel or sign documents, you need to be literate. This is because you need to be able to understand what you're signing. Also, when you travel you need to understand the signboards and be able to follow them in order to get to your destination. 

     Furthermore, I continue to use literacy in my personal life by always trying to gain knowledge. I always read and I learn something new everyday. Reading is extremely important if you want to learn. Also, I interact with people because I also do learn a lot from people and their experiences. It is very important to be literate.

     Lastly, I believe that my professors and the people around me continue to sponsor and inspire my literacy development. This is because I learn from my professors. My professors are all very well-educated and I also want to be well-educated just like them. My professors are the ones who inspire me. I want to be just like them.

     In conclusion, I believe being literate is very important. It defines who you are. You need to be well-educated in order to move with society. You have to be able to make sense out of what you say and read. It is important that you are literate and what you are saying makes sense.