And, to add to the night-before-school-starts conversation, I will post the night-before-school-starts essay on Why I Read.

Why should I, an average high school student, read? The answer that first comes to my mind is 'why not', but I know that it is more complicated than that. Reading helps us evolve into well-rounded, high functioning adults. For thousands of years reading has been present in some form, be it hieroglyphics, Latin, or Braille. And because it exists in so many forms, nearly any educated person is able to partake in the act of reading. This not only allows them to do such simple things as interpret a roadside sign, but it also allows them to learn and advance their ability to relate to unknown obstacles or people. Reading and the ability to interpret common symbols is extremely important in today's society because it is the one common thread which unites all people regardless of economic status or ancestry.

The documentation of events is nearly as old as human beings themselves. Similarly the passing down of stories has occurred as long as spoken language has been in existence. Upon the merging of these two discoveries into the same culture, the act of reading to increase one's knowledge or for simple amusement came into being. It has been in existence ever since. Because of its continuing popularity, most cultures have a written language that can then be read back. I am given the opportunity to read because of this advancement.

Reading brings everyone together. People who speak the same language but are members of different cultures can learn to accept each other’s differences as well as learn of their similarities through the use of reading. Literature also bridges the socioeconomic divide. Because of the ease of use and the availability of public libraries within large cities, even those who would not normally be able to afford the cost of books are able to borrow them and read. They can thus, idealistically, increase their knowledge of the world and help themselves increase their standing in society. And in fact, anyone can learn from reading; reading can change their future. For example, while I have known since I was young that I wanted to grow up to be an elementary school teacher, it wasn’t until I began to read the non-fiction accounts by special education teacher and author Torey Hayden that I began to develop an interest in special education. It is now this subject that I plan to study in college. Reading may have literally changed the direction of my life.

But reading isn’t only a good development in terms of helping one to achieve more; it is also practical in terms of simple amusement. Books come in the form of mysteries, historical accounts, comedies, romances, diaries, and anything else that could be thought of. These books have the ability to take you on adventures to foreign countries you would never be able to visit otherwise; they are able to put you in situations you would never have experienced; they can make you feel horror and joy. And because of the nature of books, the reader often becomes well acquainted with the main characters, more so than they would have from simply watching a movie. This can change the readers because it gives them an understanding of how others live, something they never would have been able to know without the wonders of simple pieces of paper covered with widely recognized symbols.

Reading is an integral part of everyday society. I read because it helps me survive. But I also read because I enjoy it. It makes me a smarter person, a happier person. Reading allows me to better understand ideas I may not agree with or form doubts about beliefs I had initially possessed. On the most basic level I read because my parents read to me when I was young, and I just continued the tradition after I could read on my own. But on a more complex level, I read because it gives me the tools to mold myself into the individual I am and will continue to become.

*note* This is super copywritten by me.

Night-before-school-starts Conversation.

[21:12] NameChangedForPrivacy: I now use the word "alienist" a lot.
[21:12] *** Auto-response sent to NameChangedForPrivacy: I QUIT School.
[21:12] NameChangedForPrivacy: Well that's not true.
[21:12] NameChangedForPrivacy: I used it once.
[21:12] NameChangedForPrivacy: But I'm going to start using it.
[21:12] SouprGirl1: LOL. you're funny.
[21:12] SouprGirl1: cool
[21:12] SouprGirl1: what does it mean?
[21:13] NameChangedForPrivacy: WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME SOPHOMORE YEAR?
[21:13] NameChangedForPrivacy: I wanted to drop out at age 16, but nobody would do it with me?
[21:13] SouprGirl1: i shoulda. *shrugs*
[21:13] NameChangedForPrivacy: Now, when you turn 18 you want to drop out? Ok...
[21:13] SouprGirl1: like, the most alienlike
[21:14] NameChangedForPrivacy: I want to drop out, too. I hate school and all of my friends are too depressed to enjoy their company. I shouldn't talk. I'm depressed. But it's hard to be depressed and be around depressed people. I need happy friends. You're the first person that came to my mind when I thought "who are some of my happy friends?"
[21:14] SouprGirl1: :) i'm glad. i like to be thought of as happy.
[21:14] NameChangedForPrivacy: lol, i didn't even think of it that way
[21:14] SouprGirl1: hehe.
[21:15] NameChangedForPrivacy: i thought of it as someone was pro-alien
[21:15] SouprGirl1: huh? i 'm all for aliens?
[21:15] NameChangedForPrivacy: yeah
[21:15] NameChangedForPrivacy: like an activist
[21:15] SouprGirl1: aliens in what sense of the word?
[21:15] NameChangedForPrivacy: like feminist, zionist... alienist!
[21:15] NameChangedForPrivacy: i don't know!
[21:15] SouprGirl1: yes!! ALIENS. ALIENS. THey need their own country