READING as a habit

"Every man who knows how to read and has in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in which he exists, to make his life full, significant, and interesting."

- Aldous Huxley

It was not until high school that I have come to love reading. In all humility, I can say that I had no trouble with understanding the English language even as a kid, not unless we talk about mathematics...hahaha!!!

I started with reading broadsheets and fashion magazines. I would also borrow Sweet Dreams pocketbooks from some of my friends.

In college I started collecting American novels. The first book I bought was Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain. At present, I have 15 already, most of which are by Edith Wharton. Other titles are by Thomas Hardy, Daniel Defoe, Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, D.H. Lawrence, and others. Of course, I have some by my favorite writer, Isabel Allende.

And because my job calls for it, I have no choice but to read for more than 8 hours, 5x a week. But I do love what I read nowadays! Since I now belong to the tertiary department, I now read more advanced lessons from different subject areas. I have just finished the English series and am still trying to concentrate with the three Economics manuscripts which are really nerve-wracking. Tomorrow, I will begin reading the History of Education, Parts I and II.

I have also become attentive to details because of reading. For my first job, I worked as an Editor for AC Nielsen, an international research firm. Unfortunately I was not assigned to their Media section. I edited worksheets for the Retail Measurement Services Division. Then I went to become an Editor at St. Bernadette Publications where I mostly handled journals of different subject areas. My next job was as an Editorial Assistant for JOBFinder Publishing (Re: This is not a demotion because the job calls for an entirely different thing) where my writing skills were further honed. There I was given the chance to write job-related articles and interview TV personalities.

Now I work as an Editorial Assistant for Rex Printing Company. Here I get to read, read, and read!!! On top of it all, I try to squeeze in my 48-hour weekly work schedule for only five days since I still have to attend my classes every Saturday. That is how hectic my schedule is! For my school projects, I also have to read tons of references and even Internet materials.

Reading has become not only a vital part of my profession but a habit as well. It gives me the chance to be a part of different eras and it opens my eyes to lots of possibilities. And honestly, I would not trade it for anything in this world.