Ever since middle school, when my mother handed me her old, tattered copy of The Hobbit, I’ve had a passion for literature.Devoting much of my life to books, over the years I’ve read and studied various classics (ancient to modern) as well as many major works of science-fiction, fantasy, and occasionally, crime fiction.I even include the occasional comic, graphic novel, or fairy tale.
I began my formal study of literature at the University of Florida, where I majored in English and psychology (earning a BA and BS in each, respectively).Therein, I came to focus especially on British literature.Additionally, I favored such works as Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as well as those of Shakespeare and Dante. Continuing my study of literature, I pursued my MA in English at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.While there, I continued to explore British literature and various literary classics while also dabbling in science fiction and fantasy, fairy tales, and interactive fiction.
Finally, after a year of tutoring and two years of adjunct college instruction, I came to teach at Charles B. Aycock High School, where I primarily teach 12th grade English / British lit.
Formal instruction aside, and despite the various obligations of teaching, I maintain a constant reading workout via an annual reading challenge.I hold myself to this challenge so as to constantly broaden my experience, and I increase the required amount a bit, each year.This year’s personal challenge is 10000 pages.Next year’s might be more.If I could only recommend one thing to students -- and it’s advice that I follow myself -- it’s this:keep reading.A steady diet of books is the best English class, and it has no substitute.