Happiest when I'm reading
Last week I read the best book that ever exists. It was called 'The Happiest Man in the World'. It made me think about reading, happiness, education, work, life. The said man Eddie Jaku, was a World War 2 prisoner who escaped and was rescued. Despite his sufferings and haunting memories of his experience, his book states that he still made the vow to smile every day.
Reading, writing, creating. A man has shared this experience through a book. A book has the power to share these memories. Power to ignite hope in the reader. As long as I can remember I have been jumping into these worlds created by authors.
When I was little my Dad used to say "Get your head out of those books and start learning some real skills". My Dad left school at 16.
When I turned 18 my Mum bought me a MacBook air for Uni and I thought I was so cool. When I turned up for my first lecture, EDUC1038 Literature and education revised, they asked 230 students to put their laptops away and get out paper and a pen.
When I started my first English position, the head of faculty said to me "All the kids use OneNote so as long as they have a charged device, they'll be fine".
So I am going to share with you things that have happened to me when I have, or someone I have encouraged to do so, has opened a book and experienced something new. Learned something valuable. Had a smile on their face. And to me, looked like the happiest person alive.
My brother got given a cook book for Christmas called 'Air Fryer: The Basics'. He can finally, after reading the recipes, cook his girlfriend chicken fingers without burning them
My all boys Year 8 class opened the first page of 'Taming of the Shrew' and laughed at the use of Shakespearean insults. They then proceeded to insult me in Shakespearean. BUT they learned new words and used them. That's a win.
My Year 12 class was the overall achievers in the Module A extended response for a very very engaging operatic film.
One of my Year 11's, who has not finished a novel, ever, asked for a recommendation as she was going to buy a book from Kmart on the weekend to take camping. I said I've read a few great fantasies recently...
I guess what I'm saying is, you don't need to be reading every day. You don't need to read Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones (you do need to read Harry Potter or don't bother talking to me). BUT, you will be happier. You will learn something. You will benefit. And you will smile every day.