Growing up I always fought against reading. I think I always found it to be work. I enjoyed stories, and have very fond memories of being read, Harry Potter. But whenever I was asked to read to myself I refused. I had the mindset that I was not a good reader, and I never would be. I kept this attitude all through elementary, middle, and high school, only reading when teachers required it, and finding no joy in it.

It wasn’t until the all-encompassing boredom of the first Covid lockdown that I really thought about reading again. I found comfort in returning to the Harry Potter book series which had brought me solace as a child. The stress of living in a global pandemic seemed to wane slightly in the magic of books. But this time I read them myself. As I was swept away in the story I found that I was enjoying the process. As life has gotten busy again I found myself reading less and less. I find that as I prioritize my school readings I completely stop reading recreationally.

I find that reading has many benefits. It helps me to find calm in my busy life. Since reading is so all-encompassing it takes me out of my own head and into another world in a way that is peaceful and meaningful. It also gives me time away from screens, giving rest to my eyes and mind. This time away from screens, especially before bed helps me develop healthy sleep patterns. I am excited to read more this semester, and focus on returning to this skill with an open mind. I no longer see it as something I’m good or bad at, but something to continually work on.