Shaun Wiley – Current Board Member

Shaun Wiley, a Reading Legacies Trustee, described the strong foundation that his parents created for him using books and how that influenced his approach to his own child later in life:

I’m a very fortunate man, the result of countless good decisions made by my parents, my wife, my neighbors and my community leaders. Since I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by outstanding role models, amazing teachers, great coaches and mentors. All holding me to the highest levels of accountability. All had high expectations of me. I am not self-made on any level, I’m merely the product of unconditional love.

To this day, I’ve been influenced and helped by every single person I’ve come across. I am the culmination of thousands of people’s wisdom. At the root of it all though, it was my parents guiding me every step of the way. Showing me how to live a better life. And they never stopped.

My Mom, she sparked my love for reading.

She was always reading something. Reader’s Digest, National Geographic, War and Peace, The Good Earth, cookbooks, sewing guides… She was always learning something new and doing it afterwards.

And there I was.

Reading with her… Learning with her.

She would introduce me to something new every day. Even to this day, I see her reading and learning new languages as she teaches her grandson Spanish.

I remember, as early as 3, she would read to me, Aesop’s Fables. She told the stories in character. She would explain the complex themes, helping shape my perspective of the world.

She taught me with foundations built on ethics and virtue… all made clear in love and kindness only a mama can give. It was her way of introducing me and preparing me for the path ahead.

Evenings before bed, we read and talked ourselves to sleep. I was just a little boy listening, watching, soaking it all in. Only in adulthood did I realize it was Philosophy with Mom. The gentleness of her voice, the calming nature of her tone… Irreplaceable.

She eventually bought us the World Book Encyclopedia. The entire set was printed on sheets with golden edges. It was magical to me. All the universe known to man (at the time) in our house, at my fingertips. I read the entire set, A-Z, multiple times. We were all fascinated by how everything worked. I learned about the human body, space travel, microbial life, the entire planet! By 3rd grade, I had the logic of an adult. It showed in my grades and test scores during my elementary years, setting the stage for success later in life.

Mom and Dad sacrificed and invested heavily in these books. My parents wanted me to know as much as possible about everything. I have this encyclopedia set in my house still. Reading it occasionally brings back so much nostalgia. Even the smell of the books brings back memories of us reading and exploring together.

My Dad also had an encyclopedia set. He owned the original Popular Mechanics Do-It-Yourself guides. I recall “working” with him and reading through the volumes. He would explain power dynamics and the basics of engineering. I would watch him take what we read, and he’d go. He was building houses, fixing vehicles, growing food. I got to see everything we read about in action. Dad could do anything.

On my own time, I would spend hours reading my Choose Your Own Adventure books or Bulfinch’s Mythology. I learned decision making, how to manage risk, consequences from actions or inaction, all while my thirst for adventure grew. These stories took my imagination to astronomical levels. There is so much to see and do, I always thought, how would I be able to do it all?

I quickly recognized reading led to learning.

And learning led to understanding.

And understanding led to positive action and results.

Reading gives us the power to understand and do absolutely anything.

After absorbing the knowledge of how the world works and learning how it constantly changes, I was released into the wild to experience it all.And then came the internet…. Things really sped up.Fast forward 30 years, you’ll see me in college. Then on to develop a lucrative marketing career, still in action. There’s been a few cross-country moves to keep things interesting. All to gain experience and start my own family.

Wow. It’s been a great ride.

Now, as a dad to a 5-year-old boy, I have the answers to every “why” and “how” he can imagine. It’s the look on his face each time I answer. Every opportunity, I show him a new book on a new topic. Sometimes he looks shocked and sometimes in awe. Every time though, it’s amazing. Whatever he’s shown interest in, we have at least one book about it.

My parents truly set the stage for me to be a hero. Even if it’s only to my own son, I’ll take it! I haven’t experienced a better feeling yet. This is my success in life.

All because Mom and Dad read to me when I was little. They took the time to spend with me, to teach me, to make sure I knew what I was capable of. I’m very lucky to be able to spend time with my son and show my love through the books we read.

Making time to read to him is a priority which has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Each night, as long as possible, I’ll embrace my son and hold him close. We’ll read a new Choose Your Own Adventure or I’ll pick up his copy of Aesop’s Fables. I’ll read in character till we both tire out. Sometimes he’ll read to me and tell the stories.

I can’t imagine anything better than the time I get to spend with him. Reading. Snuggling. Sharing. All in love. I go to sleep each night knowing he is MY Legacy.