As a child, I struggled with reading. But of course everyone just thought I was lazy, and I guess so did I. In fact, I didn’t read an entire book from start to finish until after I graduated high school. But my story doesn’t end there. It’s a tale of perseverance, passion, and the power of finding inspiration in unexpected places.
While novels remained a challenge, I found solace in magic books. These short, instructional texts fascinated me, holding my attention in a way other books couldn’t. As I pored over trick descriptions and sleight-of-hand techniques, I was unknowingly building my reading skills, one paragraph at a time.
Stories, despite my reading difficulties, always captivated me. I found myself drawn to fantasy movies, losing myself in worlds of dragons, wizards, and epic quests. This love of fantasy fueled a desire to become a better reader. I yearned to explore these magical realms more deeply, knowing that books held even richer narratives than films could provide.
After high school, I finally conquered my first full book: “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. The sense of accomplishment was indescribable. This victory sparked something in me, and I pushed myself further than I ever thought possible. I not only continued reading but went on to pursue a degree in literature.
As my reading skills improved, so did my writing and speaking abilities. I became a prolific writer and found my voice as a public speaker. The world of words, once so daunting, had become my playground. My journey came full circle when I decided to become an English teacher, wanting to help others discover the joy of literature.
It wasn’t until I was in my teacher education classes that I realized the root of my childhood struggles: I was an undiagnosed dyslexic. This revelation brought clarity to my past difficulties and deepened my commitment to helping students who face similar challenges.
My experience taught me the crucial importance of helping students find what they love. Inspiration was always the key to my growth and success. For me, it was magic and fantasy that kindled my desire to read. For others, it might be sports, science fiction, or graphic novels. The specific interest matters less than the spark it ignites.
As an educator and a magician, I now strive to create that spark for others. I use my story to encourage struggling readers, showing them that with persistence and passion, they can overcome their obstacles. Reading opened up a world of possibilities for me, transforming me from a struggling student to a teacher and performer.
Remember, the path to becoming a reader isn’t always straightforward. But with the right inspiration and a lot of determination, anyone can discover the magic of words.
This journey is why I now feel so blessed to perform magic shows at libraries. These shows are my way of giving back and inspiring others who might be struggling with reading. Through magic, I can capture the imagination of young minds, just as magic books once captured mine. I use my performances to demonstrate the power of perseverance and the joy of discovery that comes with reading.