I’ve always been a voracious reader—a fact that might sound like a cliché meant to impress, but it’s true. As a child, I would read almost all day. My parents weren’t against reading itself; they were simply worried about my methods. I would sit in a corner of my room for hours, my eyes glued to a book held just inches away. They feared it would ruin my eyesight (spoiler: it did), but I never listened.

I even snuck books into my bunk bed to read at night, and as I grew older, I started taking them to school too. Most of my teachers didn’t mind catching me—after all, they were pleased that I wasn’t sneaking a phone. Even now in college, I carry my Kindle everywhere—reading between lectures, during breaks, or even on the car ride home.

A natural byproduct of all those books was my growing ability to write. I discovered I loved writing, mostly through personal journal entries, though sometimes inspiration struck, and I’d craft essays and short stories. I have a particular fondness for essay writing. In 9th-grade literature class with Ms. Merrick back in California, I found my creative haven. We’d read and discuss and annotate and debate over a book and then choose a prompt from a collection to write an essay. The process was methodical: constructing a thesis, formulating two supporting arguments with evidence, and even developing a counter-argument. Then came the challenge of tying everything together with a compelling introduction and conclusion. Finally, the feedback arrived—after two rounds of peer review, our essays would be marked with red circles, question marks, and notes like “word better!” Although frustrating at times, the process was strangely rewarding. I would often work late into the night, only to finish a perfectly crafted essay and hear Ms. Merrick’s praise—the most gratifying words of all.

Even today, I write essays for fun—exploring the books I’ve read, pondering open-ended questions, or simply expressing my thoughts on any subject that sparks my interest. Reading has not only broadened my horizons but also taught me how to communicate effectively, how to read between the lines, analyze characters, and articulate my ideas clearly. It might have cost me my 20/20 vision, but it has undoubtedly shaped who I am.