Howard University Student, Ashley Van Heel Is Giving The Gift Of Reading

Miss Ashley Van Heel

University students are usually too busy with their academic work load and social lives to have time for much else, however, as the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way, and Ashley Van Heel is finding a way to add value to the environment she's in.

As a beautiful, bright and socially conscious Howard University student, she knows the value of a good education, which is really based on a good reading foundation. She is also very aware of the challenges of DC's educational system, which has many young students especially of color, lagging behind because they can't read at all or at the levels they should. However, instead of ignoring the problem like so many would, she is doing something positive to turn this negative tide around in the Washington, DC community by the reading program she has created where she's teaching kids in Pre-k through 5th grade how to read.

What Ashley is doing is excellent because good reading skills are in great demand, but unfortunately in short supply in some areas in DC and around the country. You'd be amazed at how prevalent this inability to read issue is, especially in communities of color where they are needed the most. If you recall, recording artist, Fantasia Barrino revealed in her memoirs that she is functionally illiterate. So Ashley should be applauded for the work she is doing, so we have less people who can't read in America, a country that is so blessed, but unfortunately still has issues like this occurring.

I appreciate Ashley for the work she is doing. In her own unique way, she's adding value to her environment. I wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.