Two Sides of a Coin

“You,” said the concerned professor, “do not appear to be enjoying this writing course. Even though you fulfill the requirements for each essay, you do so without going beyond the minimum. That is why your grade, so far, is a C rather than the A or B you usually earn in other courses.”

The young woman hesitated before speaking, knowing her professor was right. She wasn’t enjoying the course and was doing only enough to get by on each assignment. “What can I do, then, to improve?” she finally asked.

“Two sides of a coin…an old expression that is useful when describing the relationship between reading and writing. Most truly good writers do read extensively,” her professor answered. “Those who read in their spare time usually become better writers.”

“College requires extensive reading already,” the student protested. “I don’t see how reading much more than is already required will help me write any better.” She thought of all the classes she was taking and how many assignments she had to cover. Reading any more than she had to read would take time, lots of time, time she didn’t have.

The professor nodded. He had heard much the same thing from other overworked students. He still wanted to convince her, however, that extra reading would help her to become the writer he thought she could be. “The real answer is that reading adds to your knowledge base and literally shows you what good writing is. The key is to find an area of interest, something that you want to know more about, or some kind of fiction that is fun for you to read.” He hoped she would at least consider the idea of reading more than was required for classes.

“Oceans, ecology, global warming…,” the student muttered, thinking of her favorite pastime (surfing) and how crucial to her was the health of the environment. “Sharks, seagulls, pelicans, ridley sea turtles…,” she continued musing.

“It sounds like you’re onto something!” the professor exclaimed.

“Yes! I do want to know more about ecology and the environment. Do you have any ideas of where to find books about how global warming might affect oceans and wildlife?” The student smiled suddenly. “You know, outside reading might be more interesting and useful than I thought.”

“I assure you that it is; and, Roxy, I’m looking forward to reading the papers you will write by the end of the semester.”

After his student left, the professor noted that it was time for lunch. He picked up his science fiction novel and headed to the cafeteria, vaguely recalling that he had not answered all her questions.

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See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! ‘Til then, hang ten, not 10!