Literacy JA

My reality as a child was a see-saw of events.  I grew up in an inner-city in Jamaica. There were good, bad and ugly days. I saw girls and boys my age throwing away a future they never knew they had. If it wasn't for my family and books, I probably would have done the same. I remember when things got really rough, a book took me somewhere else. In some ways, it protected me. Reading and writing became fundamental parts of my life. Being literate expanded my life far beyond my reality at that time. I was able to still dream even when everything looked so bleak. I was able to see a future that couldn't be shot by a bullet. I wish I could say that I actually attended university. I was unable to afford it. I ceased traditional schooling at the sixth form where I earned an associate's degree. Yet the school of life has taught me so much. I am constantly learning and teaching myself new things. I wouldn't be the same without these skills.   I wouldn...