Children’s book author Bethanie Henderson started a YouTube channel that inspires anyone who struggles with literacy to love reading.
Bethanie invited me to participate in a brief video that shares my early literacy story. I hope my experiences of overcoming reading challenges encourages you.
Like I said in the video, my parents immigrated from Egypt with no English in their vocabulary. The first language I understood and uttered was Arabic. It took me some time (years to say the least) to speak English…and even longer to read it.
It wasn’t until the fifth grade that I was able to read somewhat independently. Teachers told my parents that I would be a drain on society and wouldn’t amount to anything.
My father challenged their narrative. He was committed to learning English and teaching me—all for my sake, all for my future. He read with me every night, encouraged me to sound out words, supported me to understand the story, and pushed me to thrive in reading and have confidence with the English language.
Now, nearly 40 years later, I am a pediatrician, a lover of reading, and a writer of stories for children.
I believe my experience is a testament to the fact if a child has one caregiver who nourishes their love of reading, great things happen!
Your story is so inspirational for those currently struggling to build literacy skills, and the hurdles you conquered show it’s possible.
Thanks for sharing your story, Guitar!