A literacy sponsor in my life so far would be my father. When I was eight years old, I have my earliest memory of my dad opening my eyes to a new world. As I walked on the playground with my disabled brother, I looked at my father dubiously as kids stared at my brother with inconceivable cruelty. I didn’t understand why kids looked at him like he wasn’t human. Then my father said, “This should motivate you to talk to as many kids as you can, since your brother can’t.” I was in an unassailable position- there was no way I could not talk to other kids after hearing that. I had to use that as motivation to be a social butterfly, do everything Tom can’t do.
This memory is something I will cherish forever. No matter how nervous I was to go talk to other people, I knew I had to do it for my brother. This scenario comes into my life all the time now. Anytime I don’t want to study for a test or go out, I think of how grateful I am to be able to do all these things. It was important for me to branch out as a child and communicate with people of all ages. This definitely helped me become a better speaker and writer- undeniable confidence in myself.
Thanks for this, Ellie; you set the scene clearly, and you show the deep emotional ties binding you to this relationship (and to your own responsibilities as a communicator).
Hi Ellie,
I think parents are great literacy sponsors in general and many individuals can relate to that. They always know how to give you great advice and be there for you when you need that support. I can tell that your father played an important role in your life and I find it very inspiring.