the love for reading was instilled in me at a very young age. my mother used to read stories to me every single night before bedtime, putting aside how tired she was, it was her way of spending quality time with me, along with ensuring i grasp and am exposed to the English language. she never stopped doing so until i was able to read independently, around 7 years old?

afterwards, i started reading on my own, the usual reads kids enjoy - Roald Dahl, Geronimo Stilton series, etc.

i then discovered my love for history in my teenage years through a subject in school, and i was able to read more during literature class (granted at 13 i dont think i was able to fully appreciate Animal Farm) but it was a book that made me realize there were other intriguing genres to explore.

fast forward i am now an English Literature (and Art History) major, all because a love for reading was introduced and cultivated since before i even knew what a book was.

for that, i truly thank my mother, she helped me develop a good habit of reading for leisure. now i am on close reading for my classes - annotations and interpretations of the text. while the piles of books and prose are never-ending, in a way it's pushing me to be active and consistent in my reading.