Yahvi Patel

Believing that books have the power to bridge gaps between people of all different backgrounds, Yahvi is more than happy to call herself a bookworm.

For junior Yahvi Patel, in the midst of a cacophony—in her case, often the commotion of her boisterous siblings—she can rely on one pastime to retreat from the rowdiness: reading.

“I have two brothers,” Yahvi said. “My house is normally really chaotic because they often have friends over. Reading always provides a way for me to have some alone time and maintain my composure.”

What began as a simple refuge from everyday chaos, Yahvi’s love for reading has long been a virtue deeply ingrained within her, even before she could understand the impact it would have on her in years to come. The foundation of this passion didn’t appear overnight—it was instead nurtured early on by a teacher whose third-grade classroom ignited an excitement for stories and learning that still resonates with her today. Sparking a lifelong appreciation for books and stories, it was this teacher who had a profound influence on her elation with all things literature.

“My third-grade elementary teacher, Mr. Lowell, influenced me [to get into reading],” Yahvi said. “He had one of the best bookshelves and libraries, and he would always find creative books for me to read that would help me challenge myself. That was definitely impactful because it helped foster my love for reading at such a young age.”

Since her elementary school days, the enjoyment that she derives from reading has evolved far beyond the classroom shelves where it once began. Initially inspired by the prospect of reading more difficult literature, she now turns to reading as both a personal outlet and a source of relaxation.

“As a little kid, I just had to read because I had to,” Yahvi said. “I wanted to challenge myself. But now I find reading like a way to escape, and I find that when I’m reading, I can just enjoy myself. [Reading] has evolved into less of a personal need and more of a preference. I really enjoy how it can provide an experience of getting away from daily life and challenges that may be present.” 

As life has grown busier, she has been faced with the obstacle of adapting her reading habits to other commitments. Though she is often no longer able to spend hours lost in a book like she once did, she continues to carve out small but meaningful moments for reading every day, even if it means sacrificing more trivial ways to pass the time.

“Over the last two years,” Yahvi said, “I’ve been so busy with school that I’ve found less time to read. But now, instead of TV breaks or doomscroll breaks, I’ll read in between homework instead of doing things that aren’t very beneficial. I can immerse myself in something more enjoyable, [and] at least I get some reading in.” 

Knowing full well the satisfaction that comes with finishing a compelling novel, she hopes that others will experience the same enthusiasm she has towards exploring the boundless world of books. After having felt the triumph that comes with closing the final chapter of a story, she advocates that others give themselves time to wander through worlds born from words, as they too might find themselves encapsulated in the infinite realms of her beloved craft.

“I genuinely think that I read too many books to only be able to pick one,” Yahvi said. “I’d say pick a book and commit to it, or pick a long series and commit to it. You may not like it initially, but the idea that you have a series to read or a book to finish will help you push through, and eventually, it might help you enjoy reading more.”

Even with more fragmented time, she refuses to let the shrinking free space in her schedule deter her from finding meaning in every book she picks up. Despite reading less frequently than she once was able to, the value she draws from reading has only deepened. Each book she opens—while seemingly slight and insignificant to some—serves as a gateway into a life different from her own. With each journey through a universe bound by ink and paper, she finds that every page continues to convey a perspective that can always be held dear.

“I think one of the things that I’ve learned from reading is that there are so many different perspectives that could be considered,” Yahvi said. “In daily life, we normally just look at it through our own lens. Reading provides different perspectives that we can look through, and it helps [us] understand the world around us.”