We focused on reading and writing at my house because my mother always thought it was the most important thing in education. My family influenced me to want to perfect my writing and reading skills. The first book series I read was the Flowers In The Attic series; It was given to me by my mom and I couldn't wait to read more. They opened my mind and gave me opportunities; I became more interested in reading, and reading helped me expand my vocabulary, which influenced me as a writer. Reading and writing are important: it helps us function in society, it helps us develop a skill that helps us get jobs, and it helps develop our imagination. We are all determined to learn how to improve ourselves and our future. Douglass and I come from different times, cultures, and backgrounds; however we both focused on trying to read and write to improve ourselves, our future and thus be able to fit into society. He used all his obstacles to push himself to become the person he wanted