Shaping a New Generation of Leaders
	Read For A Better Life By ZaLonya Allen, PhD   Valuable personal growth and development can be achieved through reading. Someone once said, “The mind once expanded by a new idea never returns to its original dimensions.” Reading expands the mind with new ideas that can be life changing. The benefits that can be derived from simply picking up a book are unlimited. Reading increases literacy, improves grammar, expands vocabulary, improves writing skills, exposes you to new ways of life and can make you a more knowledgeable person. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) people who are proficient in reading are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages and are more likely to vote. However those who cannot read at a basic reading level are more likely to, live in poverty, make less money, receive government assistance, be unemployed, have a physical or mental condition and are more likely to go to jail. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) estimates that almost half the students living in urban areas cannot read at a basic level.   Society as a whole must do a better job of promoting literacy because it is a greater problem than most may think. Statistics show that only 40 percent of twelfth graders nationwide are considered proficient in reading. In school reading is part of the curriculum however upon leaving school many never bother to pick up a book again. As a college instructor it was disappointing to encounter students who did not have basic reading and writing skills. There are many young adults who somehow slip through the system unnoticed.    The value of reading should be instilled in children at an early age therefore parents have to get involved. Parents can start by teaching their children that reading is fun. One of the best ways to do this is to read age appropriate books to your children out loud. Parents can also contribute to their child’s literacy by making regular trips to the library.   There are a number of valuable resources that can aid in the quest for greater literacy. The library is one of the greatest under utilized resources on the planet.  At the local library you can find books, magazines, journals and newspapers articles on everything imaginable including, health, science, psychology, history, entertainment and more. Most of the services provided by the library are free.   Another valuable resource is the bookstore. Bookstores are not what they use to be. They have become cool, trendy places to hang out. Not only can you purchase reading material but you can also purchase music, movies, gifts and more. In recent years bookstores have added extra features like coffee shops, lounging areas and internet access.     If reading does not seem very appealing to you, get creative. First, read material that is of interest to you. For example if you have a hobby or a special interest, start there. Second, start a book club and have regular meetings and discuss the books you have read. You can even do this online. Third, have a contest with your family and friends and reward the person who reads the most books in a designated time frame.   As society continues to become more fast-paced and more technologically advanced literacy will become even more of an issue. With the advent of ATM’s, self-check outs, and pay at the pump services it will become virtually impossible to perform basic daily tasks without solid reading skills. The next time you are looking for something interesting to do consider visiting your local library or bookstore and read your way to a better life. Copyright 2005.
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