My Journey with Literacy

Introduction

    Hey there! My name is Brayan, and I’m a senior at NJCU. Even though I’m in my final year, this is actually my first semester on this campus, and I’m excited to be here! I’m majoring in Marketing, and I took this class to explore the role literacy has played in my journey so far. From learning English as a second language to navigating school, work, and internships, literacy has been a constant companion, shaping my experiences in different ways.

    Outside of school, I work for GYFR, where I focus on sales outreach and partnerships. It’s a role that has challenged me to sharpen my communication skills and think creatively about reaching clients. Alongside that, I’m also a car enthusiast and spend time learning about the automotive world, which surprisingly ties into my love for learning. In this blog, I’ll share some of the key moments in my literacy journey, the people who inspired me, and how it all connects to where I am today.

    

Early Literacy Experiences

The first book that truly sparked my interest was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It was the first time I could vividly visualize the story as I read, and it captured my attention in a way no book had before. This experience made me eager to dive deeper into reading, even though learning English as a second language was challenging.

    My parents worked hard to support my learning, despite the barriers they faced. Balancing their jobs and navigating English, which wasn’t their first language, made it tough for them to help directly with reading. But they still encouraged me in every way they could, whether by getting me a tutor or learning new words alongside me. Their determination to support my education left a lasting impact on me.

    

Key Literacy Events and Role Models

    One of the key moments in my literacy journey was in 7th grade, thanks to my teacher. He was the first person who saw potential in my writing and encouraged me to develop my skills further. He taught me the importance of having a strong thesis and helped me structure my thoughts clearly. One project that stands out was a story I wrote about a boy who discovers he has powers. The story involved a twist where the boy’s friend, who he thought was on his side, was actually working with a scientist trying to protect him from the true villains. 

    Writing that story made me realize how much I enjoyed creating detailed character plots.  

His guidance helped me develop confidence in my writing. He showed me techniques like creating layouts with bullet points before drafting, which made organizing my ideas easier. His belief in my abilities pushed me to meet expectations, and I learned to include evidence and detail in every paragraph. Looking back, I see how his encouragement strengthened my literacy skills and inspired me to keep improving.

Current Literacy Use and Feelings

    Today, literacy plays a crucial role in almost every part of my life. At GYFR, where I focus on sales outreach and building partnerships, communication is key. Whether I’m drafting emails, creating marketing materials, or brainstorming with my team, I rely on the skills I’ve developed over the years to brainstorm ideas clearly and effectively. Literacy has become more than just reading and writing; it’s about connecting with others and making an impact through words.
     Reflecting on my journey, I feel a deep sense of appreciation for how far I’ve come. While I may not have always been passionate about reading and writing, I recognize now how essential these skills are in helping me achieve my goals. From my earliest struggles with English to the confidence I’ve built in expressing myself, literacy has been a constant; shaping who I am both personally and professionally.
     Looking ahead, I see literacy as a tool for growth. Whether it’s improving my ability to craft compelling stories or refining my communication in a professional setting, I know these skills will continue to open doors for me in the future. Literacy isn’t just something I’ve learned; it’s something I’ll keep developing as I grow.

Conclusion

    Looking back; my literacy journey has been one of growth, perseverance, and discovery. From the early days of struggling to learn English as a second language to finding inspiration in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, every step has shaped who I am today. The support of my parents, even as they navigated their own challenges, and the encouragement of teachers like Mr. Nayek, played a crucial role in helping me develop the skills and confidence I needed to succeed.

Today, literacy is more than just reading and writing—it’s about connection, growth, and communication. Whether I’m crafting emails and marketing materials at GYFR or reflecting on personal experiences, literacy continues to be a powerful tool in my life. It’s not only a skill I use daily but also a reminder of the journey I’ve taken to get here.

 

As I move forward, I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned. Literacy will remain at the core of my personal and professional development, helping me navigate new challenges and opportunities. I’m grateful for the people and experiences that have guided me along the way and look forward to seeing how this journey continues to unfold.