Readers are Limitless
Traci Neal Columbia, SC, USA February 14, 2023
Reading keeps people limitless no matter where they come from or who they are. I write and perform poetry for a living. I am a black female originally from Hopkins, SC. It is a small town, but as a black kid growing up in the early 90s, I knew I could not be lazy regarding reading. The funny thing is that when I was in second grade, I had difficulty pronouncing words as an emerging reader. My second-grade teacher told my parents about my reading problems.
I never gave up trying to learn how to read, even after I gave my report card to my parents and they read my teacher’s concerns. One day, I miraculously began reading words unfamiliar to me from one of my mom’s work papers. I still remember her amazement when she heard me read the words! I have been reading ever since. Now, I understand the endless opportunities being an active reader brings.
My reading pastimes are usually poetry, biblical chapters, children’s books, or newspaper articles. I have such a busy schedule these days, but I still want to ensure I read something. In March 2021, I read a book called, Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Clifton Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. This book has been such a game-changer for me. It describes different lessons from a man who lacked a background of entrepreneurs around him. I can’t assume everyone has read the book and spoil the details by sharing too much. I will share my personal life reflections, though. I have been an entrepreneur since I was five years old. As a kid, I felt like I could do and be anything. This book confirms my journey into self-identity.
Growing up, I realized I could connect well with youth, but deep down, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I found this out at the age of 12, as life has a way of creeping up on you. Inner circles can make you question and reshape your true identity. I continuously tried to please my father by going after his profession. I wanted to stop people from asking me what I would do with my life.
I decided to work to become an elementary school teacher. In previous years, a person had to pass the Praxis II Exam to become a certified teacher in South Carolina. I never did pass the exam. I took this test ten times and spent ten years of my life trying to pass it. By age 30, I finally threw up my hands. I told myself I would never take that exam again.
Today, I am doing what I truly love. I write poetry books and create individual poems giving hope to people of all ages. I perform my poetry and use my writing to bring inspiration to others. After reading the book, Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur; I believe I can do anything. I feel like a kid again. I am unstoppable, and so are you. Do not let anyone tell you differently. Go out there and find something to read! The more knowledge you open yourself to, the more limitless you will be.