Valera empowered me to critically analyze my readings so that my writing has shaped the literate person I am today. Today, I view reading and writing as a productive and relaxing activity. Being able to read anything you want affects your consciousness in such a way that whatever you read stays with you. I tend to read fiction books in my free time because I enjoy understanding their meaning on a meaningful and personal level. Being able to read and understand different perspectives opens up my perceptions of different points of view. By opening my perceptions to different points of view, it helps me create a more open writing style. When I read different books, my biases disappear in such a way that it improves my writing. I am more familiar with the different ideas that I didn't know before reading them. This creates more open-minded writing for a wider audience.