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 Beth passionate, intelligent, caring, empathetic Daughter of Susan, sister of Angela, aunt of Allie and Morgan Lover of words, good conversation, and fruit smoothies Who feels my heart smile when my nieces hug me, my eyes well up when a student "gets it," and annoyed when people don't take responsibility for their choices Who needs a good sweat when I'm frustrated, God's grace, and my pup's wagging tail Who gives slackers a hard time, strugglers a helping hand, and brainiacs a challenge Who fears disappointing those I love, crazy-high bridges, and what a future without compassion will look like Who would like to see my nieces flourish, my students succeed, and those I love happy Resident of Oakmont, PA Ryce

__//**Literacy Biography**//__

I cannot remember a time when books were not a part of my life. My mom was a voracious reader, so she always had them in the house. A parent as a reader doesn't necessarily guarantee a child will be a reader, which was the case with my older sister for most of her younger life, but I certainly caught the bug. I can remember getting stacks of books for Christmas, which usually meant I would hide away in some corner to read them. Someone from the family usually came to snatch me up and remind me it was family time, but I sure had a tough time putting those books down.

I wasn't a very good reader when I was younger. Most of the time, I was so interested in what was going to happen that I skimmed so I could find out. Unfortunately, that meant I missed a lot, so I didn't do very well on tests. That didn't stop me from reading, though; if anything, it made me read more because I would go back and re-read books. Now, I can't imagine not re-reading because, without fail, I always find something new that I didn't notice the first, second, third, etc., time I read a book.

I have always enjoyed writing as well. I started writing short stories, tried some poetry, then moved on to philosophical essays. Now, I maintain a blog - well, I write when I am inspired, which can be three times a week or once in two months. I am also a big fan of writing letters or cards to friends and family.

I can honestly say that my experiences with books and words has pretty much defined who I am as a person. I think the books I have read allowed me to explore new worlds, worlds I would never have seen or experienced in real life. (This site is a GREAT way to see how literature takes us to new places!) They have also given me insight into situations or events that I have not and/or may never experience for myself, which allowed me to see the world through someone else's eyes. Because of these things, I feel like I am more empathetic toward people I may not have much in common with, and I am much more patient with new encounters and/or adversity.