The English language is complex. I cannot imagine trying to apply the rules of grammar from a different language to a new language with such idiosyncratic rules. I have spent years learning the rules of English; I continue to learn new ways to communicate old ideas. I use punctuation to appear more intelligent. Semicolons are under utilized in the English language; I am very passionate about them. Often independent and dependent clauses are forgotten as a key component of our language. Understanding how the subject and the verb of my sentence interacts with its objects is critical information. I forget that English Language Learners must keep that on their minds as they attempt to construct a sentence. After all, we are builders, using our individual lexicons as the materials for forming our own Taj Mahal. Each brick is a puzzle piece, needing the right environment to fit together, painting a vivid picture of the information a person is trying to convey. 

I began my career struggling with words. I worked with a speech pathologist as an elementary student. I found it difficult to spell most basic words other students my age could spell. I remember failing most spelling tests my teachers gave me. I forgot how to pronounce words, failing basic reading comprehension. If my younger self knew that I was a published author in a peer reviewed journal, I am sure he would be impressed. My accomplishments have come with a great deal of struggles.

I remember making the decision to take an advanced placement language class at my high school with the most notorious teacher at my school. She was strict, challenging, and by far the best English teacher I have ever had. We read a favorite book of mine, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. It came into my life when I was challenging the meaning of my existence and the struggles inherently within. I latched onto the Buddhist themes the book presented in such an entertaining way. What is language, but a vessel to tell a captivating story that communicates an important message that everyone needs to know.

JLS