I remember back in elementary school and middle school, we used to have a program called “DEAR,” which meant Drop Everything And Read.

“DEAR” meant that, for a half hour every week in class, we would set aside time to stop our lesson and read a book.

It would be so awesome if we could have something like “DEAR” at work. Seriously.

This summer, between working at the Daily Eastern News, WEIU and my internship at the Sullivan News Progress, I have found time to read on the job.

It’s not too hard as a copy editor at the DEN because half the time we are sitting here, waiting on stories to come in.

I make my own hours at WEIU and the News Progress, so I find time while waiting before an interview, or while I am in my car waiting on construction, but usually before or after work I find time to read.

For other people, though, it may not be so easy to find time on the job to read.

So why not start a “DEAR” program for adults?

With the amount of stress America is facing right now with the economy and the busy schedule of everyday life, why not set a 30 minute break each week during work to read?

According to an article from Goliath.ecnext.com, the more you read, the better you will be at learning a second language, and you will be a better writer.

Reading early in life can even increase your IQ.

Every time you read, you enhance your mind, you learn something, and you escape from reality. It’s like watching a movie, when you’re captured in a whole different world and outside the realm of your life.

But reading is different than turning on your TV or heading out to the theater.

By reading, you develop your own imagination, and the story becomes yours in your own unique way.

You may picture a scene in a totally different way than your friend who is sitting next to you, reading the same book.

In movies and TV, the scene is generically given for you, and everyone sees it the same way.

An enriched imagination leads to creativity. Creativity is almost a necessity in every job.

Reading is also a good way to broaden your vocabulary, make you more knowledgeable and become more observant of the things around you.

According to a study done by the National Endowment for the Arts, the amount of reading for pleasure is at an all time low in America.

According to the Literacy Company at ReadFaster.com, “50 percent of American adults are unable to read an eighth grade level book.”

Why are we sitting back, and letting this intellectual tragedy happen? We have to do something about this, before it’s too late and our brains turn to mush.

Sam Sottosanto is a junior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.