Literacy Memoir

[My Literacy Memoir encompasses the positive role that literature, people, and learning experiences have had on who I am. These same components will always continue to shape my life]. 

The Power of Memoir:An Annotated Literacy Autobiography 

Lasting Literacy Lessons Chapter 1: Confronting Dyslexia (or, a Self-Evaluation)

My best friend Brittany suffers from dyslexia. My first grader teacher, Mrs. Dellvechio, paired Brittany and I as reading partners for two reasons. We were best friends but also I was a strong reader that could help Brittany. As I helped her to sound out the words to Hop on Pop, I realized that reading did not come as easily for other people. It required a lot of patience to work with Brittany. I wondered why she could not see the same words that I read. Throughout elementary school we were in the same classes. Even in fifth grade, when she read out loud to the class, I prayed that she would read well.  Throughout our time together in school, I developed a tendency to cross my fingers and hope she would not make a mistake when reading out loud.   

I made the terrible mistake to write about Brittany’s dyslexia in my ninth grade chapbook. Once it was finished, I showed it to all my friends including Britt. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I wrote about her dyslexia. Upon realizing this, I abruptly grabbed my chapbook from her hands. After much inquiry about why I did this, I caved in and read it to her. Immediately after I finished reading, I saw Britt’s blank expression. I was paranoid while wondering if my honesty offended her. Luckily, Brittany said she was not offended, yet I saw in her eyes that she really was hurt. Throughout my life, Britt was my vivaciousness, outgoing, and positive friend. But at this moment she was anything but happy. I could tell I embarrassed her when her face turned rosemary-pink and her shoulders hung low. Britt’s gloomy deposition made me feel malicious and guilty. I asked her many more times if she was okay; she said yes, but I did not believe her. My words had a stinging effect, and now she was experiencing something internal.  The more I reflected on how I caused her to focus on her dyslexia, the guiltier I felt. I unintentionally made her more aware of her issue and described it as quite apparent to others and myself. Brittany was now face to face with truth: she suffered from dyslexia, and it affected her more than she realized. On the other hand, I came to the unfortunate truth that I made my best friend feel inferior.  I had to improve on how I handled what I wrote and its affect on other people’s feelings. The passage in my chapbook about Brittany’s challenges with dyslexia was brutally honest. In many ways evaluating Brittany led to my own self-evaluation in that I need to be more conscious of the power of my words.

Chapter 2: The Bite (with an Influential Sting on My Childhood Interest) 

Art was my passion from first to third grade. I took art classes with an art teacher, Mimi, at her house three times a week. Each class I took was pure bliss. On each designated day we began a project such as learning how to draw self-portraits and still life and sewing. I clearly recall her basement filled with endless amounts of art supplies including paint, glitter, and pastel crayons. As we practiced drawing a hundred noses and eyebrows, she served her delicious iced tea and cookies. I attended classes with my dear friend, Matt Chan. While I sorted through my art projects circa 1997, I discovered a picture of a tree that I drew in first grade. Until I saw this painting, I forgot my old talent and my love for art. Mimi’s art inspired me. I admired her ability to draw the same flower that sat on the table on her paper. I hoped one day my work could be as talented as hers.

One afternoon changed my hobby forever. On a Wednesday at 5 o’clock my father had to pick me up early from Mimi’s house. As she opened the door to let him in, her Maltese pounced on my father and bit his leg. On the way home my father frightened me. Infuriated by the pain, he sternly informed me that I was “never to return to that house again.”  I cried throughout the entire ride home.

 There was a void in my life now that I stopped taking art lessons. I attempted to fill this empty space buy purchasing arts and craft toys from the local Zaney Brainy. I tried a variety of different kits, such as beading, painting, and ceramics. Once I came home with my new kit I would begin it immediately and diligently work all afternoon. By the following morning I soon lost interest and determination to complete the projects I had started. It was difficult for me to do art in my own my house since there was no structure, supplies, and-most importantly- no teacher.   

Although I am not currently pursuing art as one of my hobbies, it has taken other forms in my life. My interest in art influences my style. I love all types of art from architecture to fashion. In retrospect, I regret that I had to stop going to Mimi’s house, but I realize that I am also accountable for not continuing art. Once in a while, I will go on my porch and sketch the sky-high trees. Once my sketch is complete, I am amused because it looks similar to the tree that I drew in 1997. Nonetheless, I still feel satisfied when I sign my name in the bottom right corner on a finished work of art. 

Chapter 3: Books are Valuable (or, Rather My Father Cannot Tolerate Discount Deals)

Barnes and Noble is the Shaffer hang-out. My family and I venture to Barnes and Noble on a weekly basis.  We all go to our own designated areas in the store. I take my sister, Ryann, to browse fiction novels. Grant examines the DVD collection, and my father can be founded reading the back of a biography. My family feels quite comfortable at this venue. 

 As we wait in line to purchase our items, the same thing happens every single time. The employee behind the desk robotically asks, “Do you have a Barnes and Noble Membership Card?” My dad quickly replies, “No, we do not.” She then tries to cajole him by explaining reduced prices as well as other benefits. After this rehearsed brief speech ends my dad politely responds, “No thank you, we are not interested.” Then he turns to me and whispers, “If there is anything I do not mind spending money on, it’s books.”  

We venture to Barnes and Noble on a weekly basis. To my surprise my dad has yet to conform and purchase a gift card. I cannot help but contemplate if he is trying to make a point about the value of reading or if he is simply not patient enough to go through the process of saving money by purchasing that card. Regardless of my father’s true motive, I know I will continue to keep the boycott of discount cards at Barnes and Nobles alive.

 Chapter 4: My infatuation with Mr. Mayer’s Song Writing (or rather a Way of Self-Expression)

I never liked this apple muchIt always seemed too big to touch I can't remember how I found My way before she came around   I tell everyone I smile just because I've got a city love I found it in Lydia And I can't remember life before her name  -City Love (John Mayer)

In Middle School, I established a new hobby: song writing. Having zero musical talent or knowledge of music notes, I still loved to express my emotions in a song format. Though I was not remotely musically talented and did not understand music notes, I continued to express my feelings on paper. The appeal of song writing and inspiration stemmed from my favorite artist: John Mayer. Infatuation is an understatement to describe my past obsession with John Mayer.

I was a John Mayer devotee and active member of his fan club. As a pre-teen, I only listened to his music. I knew every lyric on his albums and went to three of his concerts. My admiration with him went so far that at in 7th grade I made my sister come with me to Madison Square Garden to see him live without my mom’s permission. I was warped and vowed to myself that I was destined to marry this guitar-playing heartthrob.          

Constantly, my family grew weary of my crush and assured me that this was just an adolescent stage. At the time, I denied this prediction, but of course it was true. My dedication to John gradually faded. However, I will never forget what his music gave to me. Due to my extensive research back in the day, Mayer was notorious for his original lyrics. Therefore, I made my own attempt to imitate his writing style.  Initially, my first songs were trite and cheesy, but soon they gradually became more sophisticated. All of my emotions were expressed in my songs.  Like John Mayer, I tried to incorporate metaphors and use a sensitive tone. An example of John Mayer’s use of metaphors is in his first hit, No Such Thing. In this song, Mayer writes about his high school teacher’s advice, which warned him to not experiment with music and explore his creative talent. Instead, authorities emphasized the importance of leading a predictable and safe life. He recalls this insular message from his youth, “They love to tell you/ Stay inside the lines/ But something's better/ On the other side.” Mayer uses the metaphor of drawing inside the lines to represent how others tried to limit his creativity. Mayer’s successful career shows that he traveled to, “the other side.”  

In total, I have written approximately one hundred and fifty songs. I never had a tune for any of my songs since I never learned an instrument but this never bothered me. Expressing my feelings on paper was an outlet for me. My songs are merely a form of self-expression mixed with a little humming here and there. 

Author’s Afterword

Teachers (1st -10th Grade) Bret Harte Elementary First:

  • Mrs. Delvheccio
  • Gym:  Mrs. Clark
  • Art: Ms. Sanders
  • Music: Ms. Furgeson

Second:

  • Mrs. Hoover
  • Gym: Mrs. Clark
  • Art: Ms. Sanders
  • Music: Ms. Furgeson

Third:

  • English/History: Ms. Phillips
  • Science: Mrs. Migliaccio
  • Math: Ms. Moore
  • Gym: Mrs. Clark
  • Music: Ms. Furgeson

Fourth:

  • History/Math: Mr. Davis
  • Science: Mrs. Weinberg
  • English: Mr. Youngblat
  • Music: Ms. Furgeson

Fifth:

  • All subjects: Ms. Beran
  • Gym: Ms. Clark
  • Music: Ms. Furgeson

  Beck Middle School Sixth:

  • English: Mrs. Gertel
  • History: Mrs. Koller
  • Math: Ms. Pellegrino
  • Science: Mrs. Keyack
  • Spanish: Mrs. Pichardo
  • Communications: Mr. Goldstein
  • Computer: Mr. Preisano
  • Gym: Ms. Waldman

Seventh:

  • English: Mr. Swaney
  • History: Ms. English
  • Math: Mr. Winter
  • Science: Mr. Tritt
  • Spanish: Mr. Murphy
  • Smart Lab: Mr. Powell
  • Gym: Mr. Birdie
  • Music: Ms. Quann

 Eighth:

  • English: Ms. Cohen
  • History: Mrs. Nieves
  • Math: Mrs. Plotnick
  • Science: Ms. Nemerofsky
  • Spanish: Ms. Matthias
  • Gym: Mr. Douglas
  • Art: Ms. Kleiner
  • Music: Ms. Shin

 Ninth:

  • English: Mrs. Malhotra
  • History: Dr. Sharp
  • Math: Mr. Sperling
  • Biology: Ms. Klein
  • Spanish: Mr. Brightbill
  • Gym: Mr. Clark
  • Health: Mr. Clark
  • Art: Mrs. Ruine/ Ms. Noone
  • Guidance: Ms. Coombs

 Tenth:

  • English: Mrs. Ezzo
  • History: Mr. Zuccotti
  • Math: Ms. Cahill
  • Chemistry; Ms. Charry
  • Spanish: Mr. Yates
  • Gym: Mr. Clark
  • Health: Ms. Coombs
  • CPR: Ms. Foley
  • Art: Ms. Ruine
  • Advisor: Mr. Gordon
  • Guidance: Ms. Coombs

My Tennis Coaches 

  • Andy Lavivtiz
  • Pete Fiorvante
  • Omar Gonzales
  • Eric Riley
  • Dave Ramos
  • Keith Jackson
  • Samantha Shaffer

 Tutor:

  • Marlene Levy

 Camp Vega Tennis Staff: 

  • Eric Christopherson
  • Aussie (Micheal White)
  • Dave Butler
  • Dominic
  • Turner Ragsdale
  • Rose

Other Mentors

  • My grandfather (Pop)
  • Brittany Wurzak

Three Qualities of a Good Student 

Intrinsic Motivation 

Intrinsic motivation is internal and individual self-motivation and determination. In order for a student to be successful he/she has to want it for him/her self. It is essential for a student to work for the A, study for the test, or does the homework for their own individual fulfillment. Often, too many times we try for other reasons such as appeasing our parents, impressing friends, and above all for college. Throughout my years in school I have noticed that my best results are when I wanted to do well for myself. When I exert effort for my own satisfaction, it is much more gratifying than doing it for someone else.

As an athlete, I am consistently told that everyone wants to win just as bad as everyone else. Therefore, the mental game of tennis is what separates the good from the phenomenal players. Most likely, when a competitor fights for every point, then he/she will win. On my bad days I can easily pinpoint why I am losing which is my lack of intrinsic motivation. My heart is not in the game, my mind is not focused on winning, and my effort is inconsistent. Generally, most coaches and teachers would suggest that intrinsic motivation is an ideal quality in any student. In both athletics and academics ones effort is that much more rewarding when you do it because it makes you feel good. In order to achieve anything one has to believe and be intrinsically motivated.  

Enthusiasm 

The best classes I have been in are the ones I look forward to go to. School is enjoyable when a teacher is eager to teach and the student is eager to learn.  An enthusiastic student has the willingness to contribute and take something from the class. A student’s enthusiasm is not just what he says but how he interacts with his peers as well. I know I am enthusiastic in a class when I focus on what my friends and teachers say. Enthusiasm has a domino effect because, when I am positive and show sings of life in class, it is my hope that my disposition will affect my friend’s demeanor also.  

 Last year in Mr. Zuccotti’s class, there was always a sense of enthusiasm. There was a consistent positive vibe amongst the students; the majority of my class enjoyed being there. I am sometimes more enthusiastic in more subjects than others. In math, I lack enthusiasm since I am not as good at the subject and sometime I am disinterested in the material. Currently, I am still attempting to create my enthusiasm for this class. Math is easier and more enjoyable when I force myself to be enthusiastic.  

Discipline 

There are some days when homework seems like the worst thing that was ever invented. I wait until Sunday after noon and suddenly my procrastination mode shuts off. I open my bag, examine my planner, and start my work. Clearly, it is difficult to achieve anything without discipline. Students make sacrifices everyday to accomplish what needs to be done.

 My mom always reminds me of the saying, “work hard, and play hard.” If all students did was ‘play’ all the time than it would not be as nearly as gratifying as playing after working. I feel good about myself when I discipline and push myself to the limit. Excellence can only be achieved with dedication and motivation to get down to business. Discipline shapes my work ethic and hopefully will lead to results in the future.