Stepping Outta That Box

Last semester I was assigned to write a paper about the literacy I had developed throughout my life. In this paper, I had written about the development of my reading, writing and even learning skills. I went into detail discussing how as a child, my appreciation for these three things were at a different “level” than where they currently stand. But as I look back, I would now define one’s literacy as much more than reading, writing, and ability to learn. I would add the way someone presents them self, or the persona someone has to this definition of literacy. Being able to present themselves with confidence and integrity could also go hand-in-hand with my definition of literacy.
I feel that literacy is such a vital skill in life that everyone should only learn to perfect it over time. Of course, like the saying goes, nothing is ever perfect. Although I feel with practice and everyday use, these skills of writing, reading, learning and communication, people can learn the proper ways of literacy. Especially as a student at a prestigious university such as Florida State University, I feel that having these skills of literacy are important. Perhaps students can learn, or perfect, these skills through their English classes, as suggested. I feel that learning a new way to write, or figuring out a different style of writing is always fun. I think that the English classroom is the perfect place to “adventure outside the realm of text-based writing to try other forms of composition”. Within the English classroom, there should be little limits with what students can explore throughout the various parts of literacy.
I personally feel that learning how to compose in other genres would be difficult. For the past 18 years, I have written and communicated within the same boundaries. To step outside those boundaries, would stress me out only wanting to perfect this new skill.