How Maddy Reads It-Part 4

How Maddy Reads It

     Hello everyone!  Today is my last day here at Literacy Action, Inc. The past eight weeks have been an incredible learning experience for me, and my time here is something I will value for years to come.

     Right now, I am preparing to start my sophomore year of college, and will soon be heading back to Washington, D.C. One of the most exciting things about heading back to school is that it is an election year. Not only will the 2012 Presidential Election be my very first time voting, but I will be able to live in the middle of all the political excitement, amongst all the drama. When November comes along, I will wait in line and vote in the poll booths just like every able and willing American should.

     I’ve known since I was a little kid that when I turned eighteen, I would be able to vote. It’s a right that comes with age, and a privilege that we Americans hold dear. But, if I didn’t have the ability to read, write, and use computers effectively, voting could be a challenge. The day I turned eighteen I ordered my new adult license and registered to vote online. It wasn’t a long or tedious process, but it required me to read the forms and answer multiple questions. And since I attend school outside of Georgia, I had to print and fill out an absentee ballot, which was another long form requiring good literacy and writing skills.

LAI Commencement Ceremony 2012

     We as Americans have a great privilege in living in a democratic society, where every voice counts. However, we as Americans also have a duty to properly inform ourselves, make a well thought out decision, and vote on every election possible. I rely on reading to inform myself of the latest issues and debates occurring between the candidates.  But, if not everyone holds the basic skills needed to be effectively involved in the elections, then we, as Americans, are not doing the best we can to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to educate themselves is not only beneficial to the individual; it’s beneficial to the family, community, and nation.

     I’m leaving LAI with a better appreciation for the education I’m receiving, and the opportunities I have been given. Education is a basic right. Whether they are 16, 25, or 82, everyone deserves the chance to better themselves through basic literacy skills.

This election comes at critical time in America’s history. When I take my turn to vote, I know that I’ll be voting for those who can’t, in hopes that we will work to ensure that one day everyone can.