Readers Are Limitless

Reading keeps a person limitless, especially if you are a person of color. I am from Hopkins, SC. It is a small town, but as a black kid growing up in the early 90’s, I knew not to be lazy when it came to reading. The funny thing is when I was in second grade, I had difficulty pronouncing words as a reader. My second grade teacher told my parents about my reading problems.

I never gave up trying to learn how to read, even after my report card came and my teacher shared her concerns. One day, I miraculously began reading words unfamiliar to me. I have been reading ever since. Now, at 32 years old, I understand the endless opportunities of being an active reader.

My past time reads are usually poetry, a biblical chapter, children’s books, or newspaper articles. I have such a busy schedule these days, but I still want to make sure I read something. Recently, I read a book called, Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons From an Unlikely Entrepreneur by: Clifton Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. This book has been such a game changer for me!

It shares different lessons from someone not from a background of entrepreneurs. I will not spoil the details of the book by assuming everyone has read it. Still, I can share my life reflections. This book confirms my journey into self-identity. I have been an entrepreneur since I was five years old. As a kid, I felt like I could do anything and be anything.

Deep down, I knew I wanted to be a writer. When I started getting older, I realized that I connected well with youth. I found this out at the age of 12. Life has a way of creeping up on you. Your inner circles can also make you question and reshape your true identity. For me, I kept trying to please my father and stop people from asking me what I was going to do with my life.

I decided to work on becoming an elementary school teacher. Well, a person has to pass the Praxis II Exam to become a certified teacher in South Carolina. I could never pass the exam. I would end up taking it ten times and spending ten years of my life trying to pass it. At age 30, I finally threw up my hands and told myself I would not take that exam again.

Now, I am doing what I truly love. I am writing books to give hope to young people. I perform my poetry. I go after my dreams. I also bring inspiration to others. After reading that book, I believe I can do anything. I feel like a kid again. I am unstoppable and so are you. Do not let anyone tell you differently. Go out there and find something to read! The more knowledge you open yourself up to, the more limitless you will be.