“From Struggles to Success: My Reading Journey”

In Jim Trelease’s “The Read Aloud Handbook,” he unravels the mystery of why some highly educated individuals read very little, while others with limited formal education read voraciously. It’s not always a matter of literacy; sometimes, it’s a math problem of sorts—a simple formula called the Fraction of Selection.

When applied to the realm of reading for pleasure, this formula sheds light on the core issue: the rewards that people derive from reading. Pleasure sits at the top, but there are various reasons why people pick up a book. Some seek an escape, some thirst for knowledge, and others aim to earn degrees or certificates, reveling in the recognition and influence they provide. Still, others are driven by financial gain. In essence, everyone expects something in return when they invest their time in reading.

At the bottom of this equation lies distractions, a significant hurdle for many. The distractions of television, smartphones, video games, emails, and the chaos of daily life can divert our attention from books. Additionally, a lack of print materials, such as newspapers and magazines, or insufficient time due to demanding work or family schedules, can deter reading habits. Some individuals struggle with reading proficiency, facing the same challenge I once did.

Negative influences from peers or family members who view reading unfavorably can also discourage reading. Furthermore, a quiet space for reading may be elusive for those living in noisy environments or juggling numerous responsibilities.

All these factors play a crucial role in determining how often a proficient reader engages with books. As a parent, you have the power to minimize distractions and provide strong incentives for your children to read. The more rewards they associate with reading, the greater their chances of success in school, as the best readers tend to read the most.

I’m grateful that I identified my own reading gap and worked towards becoming a proficient reader. It’s something I take immense pride in, and I’m thrilled to have helped tens of thousands of people achieve the same.

But what does this mean for you?

If, like many parents, you find yourself too busy to read, your children might follow suit. However, there is a way to cultivate a love for reading within your family.

Consider Japan, a country known for producing exceptional readers. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on reading print materials, leading to a high level of newspaper readership. However, even in Japan, distractions have taken a toll on reading habits, mirroring the challenges we face in America.

Years ago, as I aspired to enter law school, I encountered significant difficulties in reading comprehension. I had a gap in my reading abilities, which left me feeling functionally illiterate. Although I completed my bachelor’s degree, I struggled to apply my education effectively. Determined to improve, I attempted the LSAT three times but couldn’t achieve a competitive score, despite my passion for pursuing a legal career. I was in competition with other minority groups and poor white individuals, often relying on affirmative action laws.

The root of my struggle was clear—I was a poor reader.

Devoting a year to LSAT preparation, I spent hours daily on reading comprehension, gradually expanding my vocabulary and enhancing my reading proficiency. The effort paid off, enabling me to gain acceptance into a non-lawyer program at a local law school.

However, this path brought me more challenges and heartache. I knew I belonged in law school, driven by my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to serve others through the business of law. Yet, I felt like an outsider, convinced of my rightful place among law students.

Ultimately, I embraced an unconventional route. I realized that by adopting the same learning methods as law students in my community college paralegal program, I could gain the skills to think like a lawyer and understand the business of law better than my peers. With this mindset, I completed the non-lawyer program with a certificate and enrolled in the paralegal school.

The paralegal program marked a turning point in my life. I became a highly efficient learner, and my vocabulary expanded exponentially. I devoured books like an avid reader, finding immense pleasure in analyzing legal briefs and cases.

My journey illustrates that everything is figureoutable, as my friend Marie often says. I overcame my reading challenges through dedicated effort and explicit instruction. Today, I hope to inspire others to embark on their reading journeys and unlock the doors to personal and academic growth.

With warm regards,

Marla Benavides