Literacy Autobiography

My reading literacy began at a young age with Mom and Dad encouraging reading and comprehension with minimum exposure to mass media around us. Growing up a Military Brat, I attended Department of Defense schools throughout the globe. I read books constantly as the oldest child in the family, expected to set a good example. I spent nights with my parents after dinner checking for understanding. Both encouraged mastery of the English Language for success. I read books by Jack London, Charles Dickens, Plato, Vidal, Grisham, and Tolkein; I recall the titles: "Lord of the Rings"; "Call of the Wild"; "Oliver Twist"; and "Abraham Lincoln".

I read at night to my parents, Mom was not very patient; Dad disciplined when I was wrong. Nonetheless, I consider accuracy important. Most of the emphasis was on reading, I won awards from the school very reading so much. Before I was even in school, I remember little. I did have positive and negative experiences; it was rewarding to make those around me proud, yet the structure my life required along with the level of expectation seemed stressing. To the point, where I began to stutter in my early elementary years. Lucky for me, Mom was on top of it; I saw a language therapists, and went on to do well with my new found confidence in language capability.

Writing was an attitude I picked up from Mom. Reading, both parents enjoyed--in their own way. Mom with novellas and Dad with the newspaper. There were times, growing up, when all of us where together silently reading as a family. I remember that. Mom was always writing letters home, and sending pictures to family. Dad would frame the message! hahahahha, she has the nicest handwriting....she picked that up in Catholic Private School. That was a rare educational opportunity in small town Texas for Mexicanos in the 60's.

Today, I enjoy reading still. My school memories early included negative experiences of classmates teasing me for stuttering while reading. Come to think of it, the idea that we would move every three years, helped me re-invent my identity as a student amongst a constantly changing student-audience. I could experience the trauma of teasing classmates in one spot, learn how to overcome these obstacles; practice the strategies, improve; then move to another location...3,000 miles away to end up in a different classroom, where I was given the opportunity to start new. This brought my multi-lingual experiences to a new high. I learned to appreciate other cultures and languages. My primary language was English. Mom would spend time with us speaking in Spanish. Dad would give us mini-lessons in Chamorro History and Language.

My Final insights discover the realm of enculturation of American Identity. From my parents I was taught a view of the world from the perspective of a Mexican-Chamorro/American. I learned the value of our country through the books and media of the time which exposed me to endocrination of Western European-American ideology. The narratives became my history. Until I returned to Guam as an insider-outsider to learn of a deeper appreciation for my Pacific Islander identity.

Peace,

raa