Reading has always been a challenge for me. I am more
interested on learning with hands on than reading. I think that was why I enjoyed
math in high school.
I noticed some changes in my interest since I moved to
US and started to learn the language which was enjoying reading in English more
than my own language. Even though I struggle with vocabulary, but I never get
discouraged by looking up the words and carrying my dictionary. Also I always
listen for the new words in my conversation with others and how they used the
word and pronounce it. If I feel comfortable I will ask what the meaning of the
new words and if I don’t I will write somewhere and I look it up when I get
home. When I read a passage which there is new vocabulary I don’t look up the
words one by one. I try to read the passage for several times and analyze it in
my mind and try to understand the message the author is trying to give. By practicing
this way also helps me to comprehend more from the conversation I have with
others.
Another change in my interest was writing an essay from
high school and now. During school time, I had to beg my sister to write my essays
for me and she was good at it. When I started learning academic English, I realized
I could express my ideas easier than before. I know I still need a lot of
improvement in my writing, but I am not apprehended to pick up the pen and
explore my ideas on the paper and the blog.
I think people’s interest will change over the time and
situation as mine did. Now that I like reading and writing, I don’t have time
to do it. Having a young child doesn’t give me enough chance to do my readings.
I need to create time for myself to do my homework by sleeping late or getting
up early morning. I am determined to get education and have a better career.
Great reflection here! I am glad that you don't look up every word and that you spend some time trying to figure out difficult vocabulary by examining the sentences around the word. This is a great skill! Of course, the dictionary is always a good reference, but reading too slowly really bogs down your comprehension, so I encourage you to continue this strategy. I am glad you are determined to find a quiet time to read. It is very difficulty to read for college if there is a lot of noise or distraction. I had to get up really early in the morning when I was in college and I have continued that habit now in my working life. I went from hating mornings to loving the peace and quiet and enjoying the beautiful sunrises. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about how reading is more challenging because of all the concentration that one has to put into it and how its much easier to do things hands on because you can remember doing it instead of memorizing text. That is interesting how you always carry your dictionary with you, I also do the same in keeping a tab open when I'm on the internet. There is always a new word learn each day, right? I really like how you are comfortable in changing your interests and changing your mindset into liking something that you did not enjoy to do before.
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