Education, to me, is the essence of knowledge, making dreams come true and igniting the flame of interest for kids, teens and adults alike.

Being a teen, I have had teachers who give me five hours of homework and those who help me turn my dreams into ideas. Both are essential to learn, but having an imagination is one of the most important aspects of a kick-start to education.

I think it is amazing that local libraries have added more reading programs. I am not a parent, but I am an older sibling. I’ve seen my brother grow as a person as well as a student by starting him out in library reading programs. We would take him some afternoons to story time or for puppet shows, where he would laugh and learn at the same time.

Watching the spark in his eyes during these programs ignited not only his, but my imagination as well. When I was young, I participated in the same events. Now, I am ranked in the top .5 percent of my class and striving to not only make good grades, but to learn as well!

Wake County libraries are making a huge difference by teaching kids skills through many outstanding programs. Your enthusiasm is an evolution!

Arielle Patra

15-year-old student at Cary High School

Cary