Reading Is Sexy
by Perlita Payne
It wasn’t until the second grade that I learned how to read. I remember very well my teacher, Ms. B., taking me aside one day after school and telling me that I would stay behind everyday until I learned how to read. My 7 year old self disliked her so much for this. It was shameful and torturous to have to stay behind after class and spend an extra hour with her. I was missing out on basketball with my friends, television, and all the snacks available outside the school gates. Why did I need to learn how to read anyway? My parents barely finished elementary school. The only books that we had around the house were the Bible and some romance novels. Many years later and thousands of miles away from that school, I want to send Ms. B. a big shout out and give her crazy props for singling me out and giving me help that I never wanted but now am so grateful for. I think we only met for a couple of months because I was so motivated to “learn to read already” to get away from her. Little did I know that she was giving me a huge gift. Thanks Ms. B., wherever you are.
Perlita Payne is Chair of ALASC. She lives and works in Berkeley and plans on graduating in Spring 2015. Her interests are emerging technologies, public libraries, young adult services, and social media. Perlita is currently finishing up the Divergent series and Sara Ahmed’s The Promise of Happiness. When not in school, she enjoys going to the movies, cooking, and traveling with her partner. You can find her on Twitter.