Today was the last day of the winter quarter at UC Davis. This meant leaving my students with a parting gift: A letter on the importance of reading and writing as a way of understanding and providing service to others.
My dear student,
I like to leave each of my students with the following as a parting gift at the close of every quarter. Below you can find the reasons that, I believe, make writing and reading worthwhile pursuits.
- I believe that when we read and write, we challenge and influence our ability to think critically. When we nurture our critical thinking skills, we learn how to argue well. Good arguments allow you to challenge anyone and anything. That is power.
- I believe reading can offer companionship, joy, healing, laughter, and even a space to grieve. That companionship can see us through the best and the worst of it.
- Finally, I believe literature can offer a powerful representation of the human experience. It is neither fact nor fiction. Rather I believe it is an attempt to articulate one’s humanity and, in the process, connect with other people.
I hope you stay in touch with me as you navigate your time at Davis. Cherish your time in college as much as possible! Take advantage of every opportunity school allows you.
Love, Laura
x
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