I’m probably dating myself by saying this, but I took a typing class in grades 9 and 10. In grade 9 we had manual typewriters and in grade 10, we got the electric ones. I was averaging -40 (yes, negative 40), by the end of grade 9.

Abysmal, I know, but I couldn’t read the text I was typing from in an upright position. I had to lean over, read a sentence, memorize it, straighten up and type it. As my grade 10 year progressed, my memory improved faster than my typing. By Christmas I was ecstatic to hit zero wpm (words per minute). By June, I averaged 35–40 on tests.

What really mattered was mastering the skill. If I’m typing from what’s in my mind or within my ability to see without changing position, I can type 50–60 wpm. The typing games that exist now are so much easier because what I have to type is in a large enough font and just above the typing I’m doing.

I am so very grateful my mom insisted I take the typing classes. They were more useful than Latin, but far less enjoyable.