Niema N. Atkins is an educator, crown worker, artist, mother, and coscientious objector

My dearest Literacy,

How can I even begin to express the depth of my affection for you? You are the very foundation of my being, the key to unlocking the boundless world of knowledge and imagination. Without you, I would be lost in a sea of confusion and ignorance.

From the moment we first met, I knew that you were the one for me. The way you opened my eyes to the beauty of language, the way you guided me through the labyrinthine corridors of literature, the way you taught me to express myself in words that were both elegant and true – I knew then that I could never live without you.

You have been my constant companion through the years, through joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat. Whenever I am feeling lost or alone, I turn to you for comfort and guidance. You are the one who understands me, who shares my deepest thoughts and feelings, who knows me better than anyone else.

And yet, even as I write these words, I know that I am only scratching the surface of what you mean to me. You are not just a set of skills or a collection of knowledge – you are a living, breathing force, a part of my very soul. Without you, I would be incomplete, a shadow of the person I am today.

So I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you have given me. For the countless hours we have spent together, for the countless books we have read, for the countless conversations we have had. You have enriched my life in ways that I could never have imagined, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I love you, Literacy. More than words can say.

Yours always,

Niema N. Atkins M.Ed.