Reading was not a prominent pastime during my childhood, often taking a backseat to more exciting activities. I was never the type of child to establish a daily reading routine, participate in school book clubs, or set yearly book-reading goals. Instead, my formative years were primarily devoted to sports, outdoor adventures, academics, TV shows, and socializing with friends and family, leaving little room for reading. The only instances where I would engage with books were when they were required for school or when reading religious texts for temple rituals. I admit I didn’t find reading enjoyable; I always believed there were more entertaining activities I could be doing.
However, everything changed when quarantine hit in the spring of 2020. Having exhausted all my other entertainment options, like YouTube videos and Netflix shows, I decided to give reading another chance. To my surprise, I discovered a genre I truly enjoyed: narrative and fantasy. During quarantine, I finished about 6-8 books in this genre, a testament to the sheer boredom I was experiencing. But beyond merely passing the time, I genuinely cherished this period of my life where reading played a significant role, filling the gaps in my day. My interest in short stories and fantasy can be traced back to a cherished childhood experience: bedtime stories.
I vividly recall a cold December night, with snow falling outside during the 4th-grade winter break. My twin brother and I were playfully engaged in a pillow fight and mini-hoop basketball, eagerly anticipating our mother’s arrival to tuck us into bed with enchanting short stories. Restless at 9:30 p.m., we couldn’t imagine falling asleep within the next 30 minutes. However, when our mother finally entered the room, she turned off the ceiling lights, leaving only a tiny nightlight and the warmth of a portable heater to illuminate our shared space. As the lights dimmed, my brother and I fell silent, transitioning from restlessness to rapt attention to the stories our mother was about to weave. Nestled under our blankets by the heater, we eagerly absorbed the tales of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Good Night Moon, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. Despite hearing these stories countless times, each felt like a unique and magical experience. We were fast asleep within minutes, eagerly anticipating the same enchanting experience the following night.
Throughout elementary school, my mother’s nightly storytelling sessions introduced me to fantasy literature. These early encounters with heroic adventures and imaginative tales laid the foundation for my later interest in the genre. During quarantine, my reading preferences aligned with those childhood stories of action-packed narratives featuring heroes conquering evil. This inclination led me to books such as “The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes,” “The Alchemist,” “Treasure Island,” “The Siren Depths,” and more.
The way I approach writing is closely tied to my reading journey. I have often drawn from my unique heritage and upbringing, thanks to my status as a second-generation Indian. My experiences growing up in a culture distinct from my American peers provided a wealth of material for my writing. From Hinduism and vegetarianism to Indian foods and holidays, my daily life was distinctly diverse, making it a natural and compelling topic to explore in my writing.
Additionally, having a twin brother, a rare and exciting experience, offered another rich source for my writing. This aspect of my life is further connected to my heritage and upbringing, highlighting the stark differences between my experiences and those of my friends and peers.
This writing approach extended to my Common App essay, which revolved around my experiences as a twin. While many of my peers agonized over choosing unique and compelling topics for their college application essays, I had no such struggles. I settled on “Growing up with a Twin Brother” almost immediately after the essay prompts were released. I even completed a rough draft before others could decide on a suitable topic. My teacher’s approval of my essay topic only added to its appeal to the admissions committee.
In conclusion, my journey with reading has been unique and evolving. Throughout childhood, I never considered reading a significant part of my life, often prioritizing other activities and interests over books. However, the unexpected circumstances of the spring of 2020, notably the boredom from quarantine, prompted me to revisit reading. In retrospect, my reading journey and my writing experiences have been intertwined with my early exposure to bedtime stories and my distinctive upbringing. These elements have shaped how I engage with literature and writing, making them hobbies and essential aspects of my identity and self-expression.
Reflection Post
