When reading “Learning to Read” by Frances Harper, I had an Aha moment just in the realization of what a privilege it is that I learned how to read at such a young age. I cannot imagine starting to read at the age of 60!! Harper explains, “And said there is no use trying, Oh Chloe, you’re too late; But as I was rising sixty, I had no time to wait” (1389). I learned to read when I was 6 years old and I do not know how I would have gotten through life without this skill. I just remember when I was younger having to learn and complaining about having to read for school, so it is amazing that Chloe had such an inspiration to read. Reading allowed her to have a better life, even at the age of 60. It was worth it to learn no matter how old she was and she was determined to learn so that she would be able to read the Bible.
I realized after reading this poem, just how many little things in life that I take for granted everyday. I have never thought of being able to read as a privilege because I learned at school, just like everyone else, but the reality to it is that I have been blessed in so many ways. The time period in which we live is a major factor that has influenced reading. Literacy has come such a long way since the time when this poem was written in 1872, especially for African Americans and women.
I learned by reading this poem just how thankful I need to be for my education. I am receiving a great education at TCU and I cannot lose sight of that, even when school becomes overwhelming. The fact that I am a woman, I can read, and I get to go to college would have been crazy to think of during the time period in which this poem was written, but for me it a reality. I need to be thankful for the little things in life and never lose sight of how far we have come from the time when these things were not an option for everyone.
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