Being a bookworm by Caroline

Being a bookworm by Caroline - May 2017 Scholarship Essay

Reading has been something that I've loved doing since I was a little kid. I read constantly, checking out about 30 chapter books from the library every week or two and buying stacks and stacks of books at Barnes and Noble and Half Price Books. Many of those books would be about animals because we always had dogs and even a few cats as pets over the years, and I was certain I was going to be a vet when I grew up.
However, around middle school, I started to read less and less in my free time. Perhaps it was partially because competitive dance had started to take up more of my time, and I actually cared about my grades in middle school. Also, maybe it was a little because I cared what everyone else thought of me. I didn't want to be known just as the girl who reads all the time. By the time I was a freshman and a sophomore in high school, I read all of the required books for English and maybe 2-3 books just for fun in my free time a year, often prompted by a long road trip or for something to do after an EOC.
About midway through junior year, I decided to make a more distinctive effort to read outside of required school reading because I remembered how much I used to enjoy it. I went to Barnes and Noble, grabbed a couple of books, and as I was heading to check out, this book stood out to me. The piercing brown eyes and golden face peeking out from the front cover instantly drew me to pick up my favorite fictional book, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, which I read in one sitting. A zealous dog lover practically since birth, I had always been curious as to what goes on in the mind of the dog. From my childhood reading of Clifford the Big Red Dog to the adventures of McGrowl, a dog with superpowers, I have always enjoyed thinking that my own dogs might have thoughts or abilities beyond my comprehension. The Art of Racing in the Rain features the unique perspective of a dog as he describes his life and how he was shaped by the humans that raised him. It is a humorous and surprisingly poignant novel that made me grateful for my dogs and reminded me of the pivotal role that I play in their life.
So far this year, I’ve found the time to read at least 20 books other than school books even though my schedule has been very hectic. Throughout high school, in regards to reading and just myself as a whole person, I’ve discovered that I don't need to care what other people think of me and should just embrace myself for the unique person that I am.