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Where it all began
From the time I was born, either my parents or my older brothers would read to me. When I was a toddler, my brothers were just beginning grade school and they would read their reading level books to me before bedtime. My parents proclaim that my favorite book was Dr. Suess's "One Fish Two Fish." One Fish, Two Fish (n.d.). [Image]. Retrived from https://www.eurekaschool.com/p-660-dr-seuss-one-fish-two-fish-assorted-paper-cut-outs.aspx -
Getting a "Head Start"
My family qualified to send me to a local Head Start program. While it wasn't the beginning of my literacy journey, the program played a significant role in forming my love for the written word. To this day, I volunteer at our local Head Start because I believe programs like this are essential to our communities. ABC (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://zionschoolbelleville.org/kristacall/behavior-guidance/abc/ -
Elementary School
In the middle of elementary school my family got orders from Montana to Texas. When we arrived in Texas, it was clear that my brothers and I were academically behind. Our literacy levels were not up to par with Texas standards and we were all enrolled in remedial reading classes to "catch up to speed." This was a difficult time for my literacy journey. Book Fair (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.cardenconejo.com/carden-conejo-parents-association/book_fair.asp -
Middle School
Accelerated Reader (AR) books became an avenue for me to get back on track with my reading level - an added bonus was that my school often did incentive programs for AR book completions. Incentives can be powerful, and in my case they were just what I needed to learn to love reading again. I discovered by love for reading in the worlds of vampires and werewolves! AR Sticker (2018). [Image]. Retrieved from http://olr-school.net/library/accelerated-reader/ -
High School
In high school, I enrolled in numerous AP courses each year. Learning how to analyze, read, and comprehend textbook chapters was initially very difficult but it was a skill I knew I had to master if I wanted to be successful in AP classes. That young elementary student who was placed in remedial reading was now graduating near the top of her class. Pena, K. (2011). High school graduation. [Photograph]. -
University
University-level reading required me to, once again, read many textbooks. Having mastered the skills required to read and comprehend textbook format, this wasn't a difficult transition for me. Studying for board exams meant copious amounts of reading during my time in the dental hygiene program - analyzing and reading dental hygiene textbooks was a valuable skill for me at this time. Pena, K. (2015). College graduation. [Photograph]. -
Clinical Career
While I no longer have to read textbooks, I do maintain knowledge on the changing landscape of dental hygiene. Periodicals, journals, and professional magazines keep clinicians current on the trends in dentistry. This reading allows me to stay up-to-date on clinical knowledge related to my profession, and without these periodicals my education would undoubtedly expire. Pena, K. (2016). Cleaning mom's teeth. [Photograph]. -
Graduate Courses
I began my Masters journey in 2017 and it's, once again, allowed me to explore other areas of reading. Since I have no formal educational background, the required readings for my assignments have all been very interesting to me. I've enjoyed learning about the world of education and its possibilities! I still maintain a separate world of reading in my book club and at home, but it's nice to continue to learn about all the aspects of education. Pena, K. (2017). Angelo. [Photograph]. -
"Books & Bibles" Book Club
I participate in a book club in my area. The book club consists of other women my age, however we all have different backgrounds. I've enjoyed being in a community of women who love to read and it's allowed me to explore genres that I wouldn't typically explore. After reading textbooks for so long, it's been nice to delve into another area of reading and to foster a communal love of reading. Book shelf (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from https://425magazine.com/kcls-best-books-2016/ -
Christian Motherhood Blog
I've recently started a blog with a target audience of Catholic-Christian mothers. As a Catholic mother, I offer a unique perspective on motherhood and I've felt a strong urge to share my experiences and thoughts. I've begun to share my blog with fellow mothers at my parish and I've enjoyed initiating a small community of mothers within my own parish. Catholic Bible (2015). [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2015/09/catholic-church-superior-to-the-bible.html -
Motherhood
As a mother, I've enjoyed sparking a love for reading in my two sons. As a way to include my infant into reading, my toddler will pick out a book during feedings and we will all read together. I'm far from the AR reading incentives, the textbooks, the periodicals, and the graduate required reading but it's so enjoyable to see my reading come "full circle" as I begin to foster a love for reading in my own children's lives! Pena, K. (2018). Motherhood reading. [Photograph].
