"Writers Read Words the Way Mechanics Study Engines or Botanists Dissect Leaves" ❤️❤️❤️

The Two Power-Skills that Prove to be Lifelines for Students!

I’m so happy to write this blogpost today.

Yes! I am so happy to note that many of our students have taken to reading and writing.

There are bloggers of all hues!

While some write on inspiration, some write about their day well-spent, some do an analysis of the newspaper, some record for posterity lovely memories with family and friends, some write such spontaneous soulful poems, short stories and a range of creative stuff spread across genres.

In fact, when lots of Principals, Professors, Research Scholars and our illustrious alumni from all parts of the world, give their comments, blessings and appreciation for these super-cool blogposts of our kids, it gives us all the more reason to celebrate! So proud of you dear students.

Even during this holiday season, I am so happy to see many students finding the blessed sacred space to write out their daily quota of blogposts.

I was appreciating Safa, I MA English, today on writing out her blogpost –

‘I’m so happy that you so thoughtfully find the space for your writing’ even during the holidays.

The same applies to all ye lovely bloggers as well. I shall be mentioning each of you in a separate post to follow. A big shoutout to Lal, Pompi, Shobhana, Joice, Sabari, Bhooja, Andrea, Alena, Lekhaa, Saru, and all ye fellow writers who have taken to writing especially during the holidays, as naturally as as a fish takes to water! 

I am also happy to see a lot of lovely talents of all hues – singers, pianists, organists, painters, and artists of all hues amongst our students!

This is something that helps you get a beautiful personality for yourself.

As the saying goes –

Nothing grows in the Comfort Zone. That means to say that, in order to achieve growth, one really needs to push themselves out of their comfort zone!

And when you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you will first experience discomfort!

But wait! This discomfort is meant to make you, not break you!

It is the bridge that brings you to the sylvan, blessed pasture of greater comfort.

So probably a little bit of reading every day, might be that ‘push-myself-out-of-comfort-zone’ moment! 😊

Or a little bit of writing every day, might be that ‘push-myself-out-of-comfort-zone’ moment! 😊

Something that I tell my Literature classes quite often –

Reading and Writing are two invaluable skills that give you your unique personality.

With these two powerful weapons firmly on your side, you are bound to really impact society for the better, and make a mark for yourself in your own unique ways.

At this juncture, I wish to quote Prof. Erin Pushman, Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center, with Limestone University, South Carolina, US.

In her book titled, How to Read like a Writer, she states –

Writers read - but not only for pleasure. Writers read critically, and writers read closely.

In fact, good writers read all the time.

Noble Prize-winning authors read as much as they can, so do some of the most prolific popular writers of our time.

J. K. Rowling urges new writers to read.

So does Stephen King. One of the most crucial steps to becoming a writer—besides, of course, writing—is to read and to read the way writers do. Once you elevate your reading skills, you will elevate your writing too.

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to read closely and critically.

Writers read words the way mechanics study engines or botanists dissect leaves.

Writers read a text to figure out the way the text works. Writers read to identify genre and form; to study plot and delineate structure; to recognize a central conflict, image, or theme; to learn about characters and their development; to study point of view; to explore setting; and to interpret language and voice.

Writers read to learn what writing does and what writing has the potential to do. Writers read to learn from other writers. Writers read to elevate their craft. 

Woww! The last line is epic!

Writers read to elevate their craft!

Best wishes to all ye readers and writers who have made a commitment to elevate your craft!

So proud of you! Keep shining!

PS: Lekhaa, II BA English has got her new Insta page for her Service Learning Programme that is meant to spread the importance of reading and the effects it can have on children. 

Says Lekhaa in her blogpost - 

As someone who began listening to stories at a really young age, I know the impact it can have on someone. Books give us a huge amount of general knowledge - even if it's fantasy you choose to read. My preferred genre is fiction. These books have given me a vast vocabulary and impeccable grammar skills. These are things that you just acquire. I never had to put any work into this. 

We all know how important English is in this world. This project will help children improve their language skills and will help them fall in love with reading. I hope they will know what it can give them and they will want to do it on their own. 

This project was even presented before MCC's principal, Dr. Paul Wilson in a special ThinkTank meeting under Dr. Samuel Rufus. 

I was exhilarated during the inauguration. I climbed on stage and began talking about this project - this dream of mine. I'm so pleased to see that it has taken shape and will soon be changing lives for the better.

Indeed, our Principal was highly appreciative of this SLP!

Here's wishing this ennobling Service Learning Programme the best to Lekhaa and her team!

You may join the Insta page using the link HERE.