DISCOVERING BOOKS: WHEN THE READING LIGHT WENT ON

I was born in Taiwan. My first language was Chinese.

When my family arrived in the United States, I was 3 years old. My mom, who taught English in Taiwan, would go to the library with me. We would read alphabet books. When I was in first or second grade, I started reading independently. I would sit there and try to read as many words by myself as I could.

My mom would also buy me books in Chinese. I had access to different types of literature. She would read to me in Chinese. My parents would always tell me Chinese stories. I went to Chinese school, too.

We had a strong oral culture. We sang in Chinese and English. We conversed a lot, primarily in Chinese. My home environment gave me a strong foundation for reading and literacy.

My parents were similar to any other immigrant parents. They really pushed me to do well in school.

My dad came to the States with $200 in hand. He came because he had very little opportunity in Taiwan without a college degree.

College was something that was always part of my future. My parents said I even needed to get a master’s degree.

I’m pursuing my master’s now in the UCLA teacher education program. I already earned my bilingual credential there in Spanish.

Being literate gave me the tools for college. I was equipped with the skills that enabled me to become a lifelong learner and a teacher myself.