In describing myself as a reader, I could stress that I am not on the overly enthusiastic side; nor am I in the uninterested side. In general, I would consider myself an averagely eager reader. As a young child, I have been reading detective books for children; and ever since, I was interested in reading materials that have suspense and mystery as their themes and plots. Likewise, I also learned to read other literary types; ranging from romance, fiction, novels, short stories, autobiographies, and standard articles from journals and publications. Aside from reading materials assigned in the traditional classroom setting, I get to be interested in reading online. There are a wealth of reading materials which could be accessed online; including news updates, and even some selected classical literary works. I got to read some famous classical literary works, poems, and popular essays written by famous authors like Martin Luther King, Jr., Edgar Alan Poe, Robert Browning, among others.
I strongly believe that when I am particularly interested in the literary work being read, one of my strengths is the determination in finishing the reading at the soonest possible time. I have exhibited commitment and dedication in reading various books overnight. However, I believe that more than possessing some skills in speed reading, I have developed the habit of consulting the dictionary whenever I encountered words that I do not know the meaning of. As such, reading has enabled me to expand my vocabulary and assisted in learning how to use complex words in the proper context.
Despite these strengths, I admit that there is this weakness in remembering the details of what I have read. After sometime, I knew that I read a particular book but I have actually completely forgotten details of the story. I sometimes remember the plot, but the details of the characters and events have been immediately or completely forgotten. Likewise, there is a tendency to be distracted by different external factors: (1) noise; (2) the apparent invitation to engage in other activities; (3) the need to prioritize on more urgent personal or household chores; and (4) reasoning that reading could be put off until the next available time.
As a learner in this course, the two reading related goals set are as follows: (1) to address my weakness by paying close attention and commitment to relevant details of a story to assist in remembering crucial events and characters, as needed; and (2) setting a most appropriate time to make reading more convenient and enjoyable. I strongly believe that part of the reading experience is being able to remember and appreciate the story on a deeper level. I believe that by relating some of the events or characters to my personal life, I could develop skills in remembering needed details. Likewise, by ensuring that I have complied with the rest of my obligations and responsibilities first, I could devote a more relaxed atmosphere to reading, as a productive and fun activity.
