MLA Format

Ahmad Hill

Hill 1

Professor Lynn Raymond

University Writing 1104
11 July 2016
Early Literacy Struggles and Support
During my early years of education (Kindergarten-3rd grade), school was a bit more
intense for me than the average student. Consistently my performance appeared below
expectations and I lacked the ability to comprehend information as quickly and efficiently as
other students. The support I gained during my early years of education was somewhat nonexistent, especially for my least desired subject, English. Honor rolls, academic certificates, and
other scholastic notices were appreciated, but were not essential to my familys mentality in my
early years of education. Being a first generation student has required me to endure a more
personal drive for the betterment of my intellectual capabilities. I realized that my lack of literacy
skills would have to improve tremendously in order to reach my aspirations of attending a
university.
Not only was I a below average reader, but I was also a shy and inarticulate speaker who
whenever called upon would refuse to speak. It was embarrassing and detrimental to my
confidence to be called on to read in front of the class, since I knew the majority of words would
be difficult to pronounce. Nevertheless, I made it my priority to become a proficient reader and
writer throughout my elementary days. Despite the fact my hatred for books were immense, I did
find enjoyment while reading the Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park series. These books presented a
humorous connection, and allowed me to stay engaged with what I was processing. At the
closure of every bi-weekly cycle, the class was required to occupy Accelerated Reader (AR) test,

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Hill 2
which would consist of approximately ten questions. During these tests, our knowledge would be
challenged in whatever book each individual had chosen to read, and as a safe haven, Junie B.
Jones was my persistent choice. After reading the entire section of these books, I witnessed a
growing desire of wanting to learn more, becoming more relevant in class, becoming more
enabled to think critically and truly finding a passion for action-packed stories and novels. Along
with my growing passion for books, I also began to receive academic support from school
faculty.
It was not until the fourth grade did I receive help from school staff to help improve my
literacy. Regina Sawyer, essentially my mentor and currently what I call second mom,
introduced an afterschool program that not only supported my English course issues, but all of
my courses. This organization, Save Our Schools (S.O.S.) , allowed a connection between
teachers, college students and myself to improve literacy through one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Almost everyday following the closure of school, I would attend S.O.S. and complete my
assigned homework. Constantly I was provided with support from people who I had almost no
connection with. When I felt as if I wanted to give up, words of motivation such as You know
this!, Think a little bit harder..., or whatever it may have been, dragged me along. Almost
immediately I witnessed improvement in all aspects of English. I was able to expand my
vocabulary and informational intake. Books and articles became easier to process and
understand, along with my ability to complete mathematical homework problems. I noticed my
ability to speak clearly which allowed me to provide information to my peers without stumbling
across every other word. With all of my improvements in mind, never will I ever forget what
Regina Sawyer has done for the betterment of my intelligence and future.