My Literacy Journey Draft---Jim Zhou

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Ziheng Zhou
My Literacy Journey: From Adversity to Growth
Ziheng Zhou
Introduction
Literacy is a powerful tool that shapes our identities, broadens our horizons, and connects
us to the world. As I look back on my journey with literacy, I recall the key moments, challenges,
and joys that have defined my relationship with these important skills. In the following, I will
discuss my own experiences and struggles and the profound impact that literacy has had on my
life.
The beginning of the enlightenment
My parents love to read, and when I was little, they would read me a story every night
before bed. I remember that once, my mother read me the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and
she imitated the dialogue between Little Red Riding Hood, the big dire Wolf, and my
grandmother with a vivid voice. I seemed to see Little Red Riding Hood skipping in the forest to
my grandmother's house and heard the shifty voice of the big dire Wolf and the tension of the
hunter to save everyone at last. I looked forward to my mother reading me a new story every
night. As I grew up, I began to read books by myself. I'll be in the library for hours. From picture
books to chapter books, I remember the excitement I felt when I finished reading the first text
edition of The Little Prince, whose profound exploration of friendship, love, and loneliness made
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Ziheng Zhou
my little self-think about the meaning of life for the first time. This early love of reading laid the
foundation for my academic success and lifelong passion for learning.
Learn to Write
While reading is relatively easy for me, writing is a different story. It's hard for me to put
my thoughts and opinions into words. In a primary school composition class, the teacher asked
us to write a composition about "my dream." I stared at the blank page, confused in my mind as
to where to begin. It is not easy to hold out a few words but feel dry, completely unable to
express my heart's desire for dreams. However, my teachers saw my potential and encouraged
me to keep writing.
My Chinese teacher, Miss Li, carefully commented on my compositions. She would also
talk to me alone, patiently guiding me on how to organize my thoughts. With her encouragement,
I began to try to keep a diary.
I started using a journal to express my thoughts and feelings, and over time, I found that
writing became a form of self-healing for me. I remember that once, I had a conflict with a good
friend at school; after returning home, I poured out my grievances and sadness in my diary,
writing, and writing, and the mood gradually calmed down. Through journaling, I also
understand the importance of practice and persistence in improving my writing skills.
Influence of others
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Ziheng Zhou
In my reading and writing journey, I have been fortunate to receive encouragement from
many people. My parents, teachers, and friends, who shared their favorite books with me,
allowed me to write.
In high school, my English teacher, Mrs. Smith, greatly influenced me. She is passionate
about literature and teaching. In her class, we read such English classics as Hamlet and Pride and
Prejudice. She will guide us to an in-depth analysis of the works’ characters, themes, and writing
techniques.
Once, we had to write a reading of Hamlet. I have a lot of my thoughts about this work,
but I am not able to express them. Mrs. Smith recognized my confusion, patiently helped me sort
out my thoughts, and recommended some relevant literary reviews for my reference. Under her
guidance, I finished a reading that I was satisfied with.
Struggle and challenge
Like many people, I have faced my share of struggles and challenges in my literacy
journey. One of the biggest challenges is writing in a second language. English is not my native
language, and I often struggle with grammar and vocabulary.
In an English writing class in college, the teacher asked us to write a paper. Although I
have a lot of ideas about the topic, in the process of expression, I always can't find the right
words, and grammar mistakes are endless. For example, I often confuse "affect" and "effect." It
took me a long time to finish the composition, and when I handed it in, the teacher's comments
left me devastated. But I was not discouraged; I began to recite a certain amount of words daily,
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Ziheng Zhou
learning grammar knowledge. Through continuous efforts, my English writing ability has
gradually improved.
Another challenge is finding the time and motivation to read and write. In college, I was
so busy with classes and club activities that I often felt I didn't have enough time. However, I
knew that reading and writing were very important to me, so I started taking advantage of
fragmented time. For example, when taking the bus, I take out my mobile phone and read short
English stories.
So-What?
So, what was the point of my reading and writing journey? For me, literacy is a skill that
allows me to broaden my horizons, learn about different cultures and perspectives, and connect
with people around the world.
Reading makes me feel like I have experienced a different life. Reading the English
version of "One Hundred Years of Solitude," I experienced the mysterious culture and unique
history of Latin America and was shocked by Marquez's fantastic narrative style. Writing allows
me to bring out my inner world. I once wrote an article about growing up and shared it on the
network platform. I received many comments from readers who said that my words reminded
them of their growing-up experience, which made me sincerely appreciate the power of words.
Conclusion
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Ziheng Zhou
My reading and writing journey have been long and winding, full of challenges and
successes. With the support and encouragement of others, I developed a love of these activities.
My story inspires others to embark on their own reading and writing journeys and discover the
power of words to change lives.

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My Literacy Journey: From Adversity to Growth

The beginning of the enlightenment

foundation for my academic success and lifelong passion for learning.

I began to try to keep a diary.

understand the importance of practice and persistence in improving my writing skills.

guidance, I finished a reading that I was satisfied with.

Struggle and challenge

language, and I often struggle with grammar and vocabulary.

with people around the world.

power of words to change lives.

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