Bailey A: Ann Raimes

I really enjoyed Ann's perspective of how we don't define ourselves by what's inside, rather what is around us. You could be the exact same person but if you grew up in Africa instead of the United States, you would act and speak totally different. I believe that the saying "we are who we surround ourselves with" stands true and I would like to think Ann thinks that as well.

Critically reading is extremely important, which is clear due to Ann's emphasis on it. Reading in general opens your mind to new ideas, new ways of thinking and broadens your vocabulary. What I got out of Ann's perspective on critically reading is that before you start you must remind yourself to keep an open mind to other people's way of thinking if you want to be successful in your reading.

Aside from reading, writing is crucial to anyone's development. It allows you to express your ideas in an art form; whether it be poetry, essay or story-telling. The best part of writing is that the more you do it, the better you become at it. With a few basic skills like grammar and punctuation as well as a clear understanding on sentence structure, anyone can become a successful writer.

Reading and writing are the fundamentals of being successful in any culture, its a way of communicating and I believe that is what Ann wanted us to get out of her introduction.