By Cristina Garcia, Montclair State University
Who would’ve thought something so simple as writing could cause such great benefits for students/people. Having powerful writing skills builds students self-confidence. Good writing skills means thinking independently and doing well in other academics.
In today’s society, having strong writing skills can take you far. This is needed for academic success. Whether writing essays, crafting an email response, or just everyday communication, having these skills can help you clearly express your ideas and communicate effectively to avoid any misunderstandings. Not only can it prepare you for the future but it also is a form of self-expression and helps people to organize their thoughts, thus leading to a clearer mind and better self-expression.
Why Literacy Is More Than Just Reading
When it comes to literacyTo better understand the depth of what literacy means we need to define literacy as a whole. It is not always just about the reading but multiple things. The main factors of literacy are:
- Reading
- Writing
- Critical thinking
- Speaking
- Listening
In the world we live in today, everything is run by digital means, and literacy comes into play due to the constant use of technology and the understanding of multimedia. Having this ability can ensure that students and people can make informed decisions, which ties into critical thinking.
How does listening and literacy go together? Listening creates a deeper understanding of people and cultures. By doing this it helps put themselves in their shoes, making them change perspectives on certain topics. This takes listening and understanding. This promotes cultural awareness and empathy, which are positive traits to have.
Another positive effect literacy can have on someone is it can empower people to have self-advocacy and speak up for themselves. Having literacy skills means you are learning effective communication, which can help you get a point across. Self-Advocacy means being able to say what you need and what is right. Literacy skills help people to feel confident to speak up, especially individuals who are from minority groups, in dealing with education, healthcare, or the workforce.
Everyday Ways to Grow Empowerment Through Literacy
Interested in incorporating literacy into your lifestyle? Here are some easy ways you can do so.
#1 reading intentionally.
Reading when you tell yourself to versus being forced to read can help improve interest in reading. Start by reading, a magazine, book, or article that is about your favorite topic. Doing this will make reading feel exciting and fulfilling.
#2 Keep a journal.
Having a journal can allow you to dump all of your thoughts out onto a piece of paper making you feel better. You can write about, goals, emotions, your day to day life, anything and this will help promote self awareness and build writing confidence since it’ll clear your mind.
#3 Set short term literacy goals.
Incorporating daily reading in your life will help you to get into the habit and routine of picking up something to read. These small steps will lead to growth and leave you feeling fulfilled.
Literacy isn’t one thing , its about finding the voice inside of you and using that to make the pen move. Programs like Write on Sports, a nonprofit literacy enrichment program for students, helps with this every day. The focus is on improving literacy skills and building confidence in young people from under-resourced communities, helping them find and share their voices through writing. Overall reading, writing, and reflecting means you are building your confidence and heading towards a future you dream of!