007. Precious, Precious Literacy

  Literacy is a powerful thing. In Push, we hear a story of a very illiterate high school girl not only struggling with her own reading and writing skills, but struggling with depression, lack of motivation and just all around poor self-confidence. The book strikes it home when you see samples of her writing throughout the text, but none is more apparent than the samples at the back of the book where you really see how much Precious is struggling to figure out how to write and coherently put words together into sentences. It's a gripping read, and although I'm only partially through the novel, you really start to appreciate how much your schooling has benefited you over the years.

    "Are we ever going to need to know this in the real world?" A question that many high school students, including myself, would constantly spout at our teachers growing up. It was most common in math class where even the most remedial yet complicated theories were tested and questioned by students. Even though we were learning, arguably one of the most important disciplines in fact, we questioned its usefulness and subsequent purpose. We thought we were getting our time wasted, and most students figured it'd be more simple just to play video games all day or go play sports. This is in stark contrast to the college setting, where we don't take our literacy for granted. In fact, we're paying copious amounts of money just to stay afloat and continue our quest in the elusive "higher education" realm.

    Precious understands why she's in school - well, sort of - and wants to make better of herself. But, it isn't until Ms. Rain (aptly named Miz Rain by precious herself) that Precious takes an increased interest in her studies and begins to truly believe in herself; however, she doesn't get very far. Crippled by her lack of understanding common things and her sexual abuse from her father, Precious is in a constant vicious cycle and not really going anywhere. Literacy is one of Precious' biggest hurdles to overcome, and if it wasn't for Ms. Rain it would be hard to see where she would be. Thankfully, the novel takes us in the "happy ending" direction as the novel draws on and despite the problems and issues, Precious starts to overcome.

    Overcoming our biggest hurdles in life - whether it be literacy, self-esteem issues or simply just not being happy - are paramount, but to get over these hurdles, we must first acquire the tools and confidence to even begin that first jump. Being literate and educated is the catalyst to getting over the biggest problems and most difficult moments in life. Having that edge of education is one that you never want to lose sight of. Most jobs in America now require "continued education" which helps those of us that may already be "fully educated" to never stop learning. Because, as we know, you can never stop learning.