Believe it or not, I was one of you too. I would do everything in my power to skip reading. In English class, I would just look up a book on Spark Notes. If I ever had to read a textbook, I would make sure to take better notes in class. If I had to read an article on my computer, I would search the document by pressing control + f. I hated reading.
My hatred for reading became so bad that I placed in remedial courses throughout middle school. Yet at the same time, I was always in the advanced math classes. I always knew how to read. I would just rather have solved algebraic equations instead of reading “The Hunger Games”.
I was segregated from the rest of the student body for an hour and a half every day. Forced into a small classroom with 14 other students who also hated reading. Being in that class helped me realize a few small things you can do to make reading not that bad.
- Find topics you are interested in
- Find a spot you love to sit in
- Try to get access to a paper copy
- Find a good time to read
- Always have a book
I know it sounds generic, but I have hated reading all of these years because I was never faced with topics I was interested in. I am currently a finance major at Purdue. I enjoy reading about the scandals of CEOs and the rise or decline in the stock market. I now have a subscription to the Wall Street Journal, and I read it every day.
For me, my favorite spot on Purdue’s campus is the Starbucks on third street. You can find me here at any time of the day downing coffee with my face deep into a book. This location has just the perfect amount of noise for me. I am literally here every day.
Most of the articles I read, I print out. This might not always be the easiest option, but I enjoy having the ability the write and highlight on my work. It is also a benefit to not have to look at a computer screen all day.
Usually, between my 1:30 econ lecture and my 4 pm English class, you can find me keeping up to date with the recent news of the world. This time is perfect because I have just eaten lunch, and I am not ready to fall asleep.
Having something fun to read at all times is such a great way to get into reading. You are never going to actually read if you don’t have a book handy. I find myself having the option to read at the most unexpected times like when I am waiting in line or while I am on the bus.
Reading is so important. Understanding and learning the new concepts of the world will only help us evolve as a human population. Overall, making it more of a hassle not to read than to read is one of my biggest regrets.
