Aravind Swaminathan first blog post

Dear Mr. Coon,



First of all, I wanted to thank you for your letter that you read to us in class. I really respect the passion and enthusiasm you showed to us this morning. In fact, I have never seen a teacher love his or her class so much, and already I find myself already loving your class. So thank you.



Now, a little bit about me as a reader. I've been a reader since as long as I can remember. My mother helped me to discover my love books even before I could walk. Actually, some of my favorite pictures are of my mom and me reading books together when I was two. It's safe to say that I've never lost my love of reading and I am one-hundred percent positive that I never will.



As of now, or rather in my current "phase", I do have some favorite types of reading. Right now, I am particularly enthusiastic about thrillers that involve any type of science (biological science to technological science, and everything in between). I know that many people think of thrillers as "trashy" or as all being "clones," but to me a good thriller is as good as the Bible is to Dr. Allison. I love being able to escape reality and place myself in an improbable (but very interesting) situation. I love being able to escape my monotonous life and feel excitement through danger and suspense. I love being able to feel important and meaningful. I love being able to get away from my homework or that senate agenda that I have to compose, even if it's only for an hour or two.



I read everything, anywhere, at any time. I read magazines, the news, poetry, comics, the internet, essays, horoscopes, and even advertisements. I read because I enjoy how others use words in the form of an art. I love understanding how others perceive and feel, and I love learning more through others' words. My knowledge database is always expanding whenever I read, and this allows me to be more creative and more thoughtful—this is something that I am truly grateful for.



My habits as a reader have changed as I've grown older. I remember when I was younger, I made it a point to read at least an hour before I went to bed. Also, I remember I really was only interested in science fiction and fantasy when I was younger. But now, with all my schoolwork and studying, I find it hard to devote attention to just an hour of solid pleasure reading. My reading habit has been transformed into a more leisure fashion; I read whenever I have the chance, and it can be anything. Sometimes while waiting for dinner I'll pick up Calvin and Hobbes or on a lazy Sunday I'll reread one of my all time favorite novels. One habit that does not change is that every morning I read the news, whether to check the latest trends in business or any major roster changes in the NBA. My diversity in what I read is what I love about reading, for I get to always learn and be flexible. I guess I have taken a liberal arts approach to reading.



My history as a writer is much different than my history as a reader. I have never been much of a regular writer. I have tried keeping a daily journal, but it just never seems to work. The way I write is in bursts of energy. Whenever I have a great idea, I suddenly feel the urge to start writing. This applies not just to school but my occasional free writing. Sometimes, when writing for an assignment for school, I simply have to wait and try not to write until I get an idea, and suddenly everything seems to fall in place. I believe these bursts of energy are outlets of my creativity, and this is when I love writing. I love writing when I am amazed at how I can articulate a point and turn a vision into a work of art. As I said earlier, I enjoy how others use words in the form of an art, and I also love viewing my own words as an art. My most memorable writing works are the works I have composed when I was in middle and elementary school, for when I look at them, I look see a true picture of me and my creativity at such a young age. My writing at my young age shows what I truly wanted to express, not what I was told to express. But, I must say that I have really enjoyed putting my writing at work in creative poetry and research in the past few years. One weakness in my writing is that I tend to belabor a point and sometimes get carried away with what I'm saying. My strengths in writing are being able to know what I want to get across and being able to do this in a creative manner. Honestly, I do want to be able to write freely more often, and I'm hoping that we will have a chance to do so this year in your class.



Well, Mr. Coon, thank so much. I am really glad that you want to get the chance to know me a little better. I am really looking forward to a great year. Thanks again.



Sincerely,



Aravind



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