A1/A2
In assessing my reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, I chose to interview my mother. Pretty much anybody else I knew who was capable of interviewing for this piece has either moved away, or I am no longer in contact with. My mom knows me better than anybody, so she was perfect for this interview anyway.
When I asked her about my skills as a reader, she had several good things to say. She told me I had always been an outstanding reader, always 2-3 reading levels above my grade level (i.e. reading level of a 6th grader when I was in the 4th grade). She's given me the nickname "Evelyn Speed-reader" as far back as I can remember because I've always been able to read anything quicker than normal. She pointed out that I had good reading comprehension as well. I don't think I comprehend reading material (i.e. articles, arguments, etc.) as well as I used to, but I do agree with her on my speedy reading skills. The only reason I believe her as far as being an advanced reader is concerned is because my teachers used to test me and show me proof that I was indeed advanced for my age.
When it came to my writing, she also had positive responses. She thought I was very creative, imaginative, and always grammatically correct (I used to be a perfectionist, so I agreed with her on that one). She told me a story about a piece of mine she had come across when she was looking for something on our hard drive. She didn't know what she was reading at first, but when she figured out that I had written the piece, she couldn't believe it. According to her, it was so imaginative and advanced for my age (I think I was either a freshman or sophomore in high school at the time). I used to have a love for writing, but it has disintegrated since the middle of my senior year of high school. Even then, I didn't think my writing was creative, imaginative, or advanced. Every time I read over anything I had written it seemed so childish, and I belittled my work to shreds. I don't know which piece of writing of mine she had read, but I do with I could look at it so I could try and see her point of view.
As far as critical thinking goes, she thinks I'm book smart. When it comes to standing my ground, expressing my opinion or explaining my point of view, she seems to think I do so very well. As far as thinking things through during the course of certain situations, I'm lacking in her eyes. She doesn't think I've matured enough to get a grip over life's everyday decision-making processes. For instance, every time I want to go somewhere were my well-being is in danger ( i.e. downtown Dallas), I seem to think I'm indestructible, even though I've had several instances to prove that I am not. I've made several mistakes throughout my life where I didn't use my best judgment, or I didn't think things thoroughly enough. I agree with her on this. I have a tendency to think I'm always right, which therefore clouds my judgment as far as reality goes. I have a hard time seeing the other side of the situation (i.e. my mother's worry over my safety in dangerous areas). Although I'm headstrong in my beliefs and opinions, I don't always have the most formal way of expressing them. I do try, but I never think my efforts are up to par. I suppose I am book-smart, as I made damn near straight A's all throughout high school.