Lately, I have been re-reading L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. On this read-through, I have been noticing how much of myself I see in Anne Shirley. I don’t have anywhere near the amount of imagination that Anne possesses, nor am I so accident prone, but Anne and I are nevertheless kindred spirits. I too look on the world with a sense of wonder; I too let my imagination interfere with my day-to-day reality; I too can talk the hind leg off a mule; and I too possess an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Anne and I both enjoy learning about the world around us, whether that be through reading, observing, or contemplating. As she grows older, Anne doesn’t quit learning. She continues growing the same way she always has, something which I plan to do as well. The first way I plan to continue learning is through reading. Every time you read you learn something. It is impossible to walk away from a book and not have been enlightened in some way, shape, or form. When you read, you encounter ideas. You either learn facts which help you strengthen your opinions, or you witness stories which show you how the world works. Even if you disagree with an author, you can still learn from him or her. Reading widens our horizons and helps us to see from a different vantage point. Through reading we are able to see different people, places, and times. We not only learn about our own time and place, but also other times and places. I would be lost without reading, and for as long as I can see, hear, and/or comprehend, books will be a part of my life. I am planning on majoring in Literature, so even college is a new step in my reading journey. I also plan to continue learning through observing. Watching people is something that has interested me for a long time. Sitting in the parking lot and waiting for my mom to come out to the car, you can watch a lot of people hustle and bustle, and you can learn a lot as well. You can also learn a lot by observing nature. Watching different bugs, rodents, and birds, or even just the family pet, you can learn a lot of interesting things. I love learning through observation, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The final way I plan to continue learning is through contemplating. You can read, you can observe, and you can be taught, but none of that means anything until you think about it. I have known how to write for years now, but it took thought and contemplation to come up with this essay. It is through thinking that you formulate your own ideas and opinions, and it is through thinking that you can connect the dots. You can be given all the proofs to support a conclusion, but if you don’t think about them, you may not ever reach that conclusion. It is impossible to learn without thinking and I plan to continue learning through contemplation for as long as I’m able. I have learned a lot through High School, but there is more out there for me to study. The next step on my learning journey is a Bachelor’s degree, a step for which I am excited. I want to use my degree to be the best learner I can. After college, I want to help others love learning as much as I do. Through reading, observing, and thinking I want to grow in knowledge every day.