Forum 3

“Run! Hurry, quick, keep going!” I tell myself as I run as fast as my legs can manage until I reach a large oak tree towering over me. I quickly climb the tree with more ferocity than ever before. This was my key to safety, my key to survival. I sit in utter silence and wait. I can see the other tributes closing in on the tree and me. Luckily, no one braves to climb towards me as I have made sure to put as much distance between the ground and me as I can manage. The ravage tributes attempt to spring me from the harboring branches but I refuse to move, until I see my means of escape…

“Taylor, it’s time for dinner!” I sigh and slowly close the pages of my newly enticing book, The Hunger Games and make my way downstairs for dinner. On my way down, I can’t help but replay the last bit of action that was occurring in my newly acquired book. Reading this novel made me feel as though I was Katniss, escaping my horrific fate as a tribute in the odious Hunger Games. As I read, I can’t help but picture myself up in that large oak tree, attempting to postpone the seeming inevitable.

Reading was my escape, my special means of transportation. Anywhere I wanted to go, I could visit, and anyone I wanted to be, I could transform into. When I read, I was transported into another realm of reality in which I manifested into new characters in new settings. I could hitch a ride on a raft with Huck and Jim, or escape my demise in the Hunger Games. I could even use magic to defeat the gruesome Voldemort. No matter the story, I could always become a part of it.

When I was younger, I struggled with anxiety, and my parents were at a loss when it came to helping me overcome my troubles. My only escape was books. The summer before my freshman year of high school I was stricken with fear of moving to a new, bigger school. I continuously woke up after having a terrifying nightmare about how my high school career would go. Would I have any friends? Would other students pick on me? Would I pass my classes? Were the teachers really as strict as everyone said? These questions continuously haunted me as I tried to enjoy my last summer of what seemed to be freedom. As the summer months slowly came to a close, I was sure I would have a mental breakdown before classes even began. My parents were concerned and didn’t know what to do for me, up until talking with a close family friend about anxiety. Our pediatrician, and close family friend explained to us that anxiety can manifest itself in different forms, some more severe than others. However, the key to coping with anxiety is to learn what works best for that individual. It was then suggested that I try reading more vigorously. I immediately took this suggestion seriously, renting book after book from my local library. It was during this time that I learned how to manage my anxiety.

I read through books quicker than I ever have, and it was at this time that I truly began to appreciate what books had to offer. Books did more than just tell a story, they allowed the mind to explore other realms outside of reality. This is where my journey into different stories began.

As the month of August continued, I read book after book, adding to the plethora of completed books sitting on my newly acquired bookshelf. I would make trips to my local library several times a week, and spend any extra chore money I didn’t save on books at Borders. I found myself reaching for a newly rented book every moment I would feel anxiety, and slowly, I began to notice that my anxiety was diminishing. I was able to put my fears aside while I read, and that helped me cope with them in some parallel way. The first day of school was vastly approaching, and I was nervous, yet almost excited.

The night before the big day I continued to read and complete one of my new favorite books, The Hunger Games. I successfully read the book in one day, which was easily done after my summer of constant reading. My mind was put as ease as I finished the final chapter, and that night, I went to bed with a sense of tranquility. I felt brave, ready for any new obstacles in my way. The next morning I got ready for the day and began my first day of high school feeling some anxiety, but some excitement as well. It was as though I was back in that oak tree, only this time, I knew I’d survive.