Pamela Delauz Conversation 1- Literacy

Literacy, according to its official definition, is “the ability to use printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential.” Literacy is one of the first things we taught in any school system worldwide. The ability to read is fundamental, as Trischitti explained, because those who are literate can go on to get the highest of educations, create new ideas, use critical thinking, and contribute greatly to society. In my own words, Literacy can be defined as “The ability to read and write using words with the purpose of contributing and creating ideas and thoughts.” which is a much simpler definition, I’m aware, but to me, it really is that simple. John Trischitti defined it in its simplest form of, “Being able to read”. In my research, I found how literacy impacts our lives every day, even the simplest things. For example, reading instructions on how to operate a new appliance, Reading policies or terms and conditions in a contract, or even reading your class syllabus to know how to succeed. All of these examples use literacy and we don’t think twice about it, but society is shaped around know how to be literate. There are many forms of literacy in society including computer literacy, health literacy, children’s literacy, financial literacy etc. All of these teach literate people different skills and ways of life that can help them succeed. So what happens to those who are illiterate? Those who can’t read or have the most basic understanding of literacy? According to statistics that Trischitti shared, 90% of welfare recipients are high school dropouts or illiterate and 85% of juveniles who interface with the court system are functionally illiterate. These percentages are insanely high, and the odds of this happening are more in favor of those who are illiterate than those who are proficient in literacy. John Trischitti beat those odds, though, which is why the process of literacy is so important to him. Trischitti was a kid who was on food stamps, had reduced/free lunch, went to public school and most importantly had the greater chance of growing up to be an illiterate person. His upbringing impacted him greatly, so instead of going home to an empty house every day, he would stay at school and would stay in the library of all places most days. That’s where he met a teacher named Ms. Ray, who taught him the importance of literacy. Since that day, Trishchitti has an impressive resume of having a Masters and being the Texas librarian of the year, all because of the ability to be proficient in literacy.