to read:
Currently, Kat is a reader in the sense that she can understand the scribbles of English printed on magazine articles in her bathroom or the text that is displayed on her Facebook homepage, but, sadly, it has been a while since she ever read a book from beginning to end. She is an avid reader when she is not busy with her multiple extracurriculars. This year, she aims to rediscover the magic that inspired her to pick up her first picture book, Juniper's Easter, at age four in the Midland Barnes and Noble and decipher the scribbles of English herself. Kat's reading adventure was greatly aided by her older sister, Cynthia, who had patiently taught her the mechanics of English spelling and pronunciation before the fateful encounter with Juniper. Over time, Kat Li has discovered that it helped that she already spoke English every day, which allowed her to easily comprehend the structure of the materials she read (mainly assorted novels, magazines, and newspapers) as well as finish a 600 page Harry Potter novel in a matter of days. However, she has also found that it is also important to give herself enough time to fully understand what the author is saying, which is difficult when the author does not write in conventional, simple English. Despite challenges here and there, Kat thinks of books as wonderful dream machines that have the ability to transport her to different worlds, different times, and different minds. The books Kat generally checks out from the Veterans Memorial Library are fantasy novels that she feels are "multi-dimensional", or convey a deeper meaning beyond the written text. Kat believes that people read because it is required of them and/or because they wish to experience the ideas, information, and adventures that lay within the pages. To be a "good reader", she thinks one should treat books like a new acquaintance: approach them with an open mind. This way, one can consummately comprehend what the book has to say and readily use this information to enhance one's personal beliefs.
to write:
Writing happens to be one of Kat's passions. She began writing when she was inspired to create stories like the ones she read off of her kindergarten teacher's bookshelf. To see words, sentences, and finally paragraphs of her own creation and thought filled her with pride and empowered her to pursue this ability throughout her life. To Kat, people use writing to pass their class, to record ideas, express emotions, and to share their thoughts with the rest of the world. As a rule, she thinks that for one to be a "good writer", whether one is writing a science paper or fantasy novel, it is imperative that one understands exactly what (s)he means to write. Kat feels that it is easier for her to be a "good writer" when she writes from personal experiences and emotions, things that seem solid and real to her. Composing fantasies rank a close second, but are harder for her to manage and often become mere parallels of her own life. Her writing inspirations stem mostly from her personal observations --social interactions, nature, emotionally charged events-- and those subjects generally become the theme for her written piece. Letting other people read her own works is rather nerve-wracking for fear of judgement from others, she admits, but she prefers constructive criticism from her readers over sugarcoated positive reviews, for criticism helps her grow as a writer. Though she used to keep a daily journal at home and would write the occasional short story or free verse poem, Kat has recently pushed writing to the side in order to make time for her other activities. This she regrets, for the simple act of putting pencil to paper allows her to express her emotions and frustrations without any repercussion and experience the magic that comes with creating something of her own.
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