"Some pig." As I read these words from the well-known novel, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, I considered what Wilbur must have been feeling, knowing his life was soon going to end. But how could I directly relate to this? I had never been in such a situation. Humans aren't normally killed for consumption, so could I truly ever feel Wilbur’s fear? The best I could do was try to step into Wilbur's shoes (or hooves, rather). After all, a little empathy can go a long way in regards to change. I read each page, imagining what Wilbur was going through and how these things made him feel. Upon finishing the last chapter of the book, I could no longer hold in my emotions. My eyes welled up and out poured the tears. At the time, I couldn't figure out why I felt such a deep sadness, a sadness I had never before felt after finishing a book. Never would I have known that a book I'd read in the fourth grade would have such an impact on the person that I would become. …show more content…
However, my decision to become a vegetarian at a young age was greatly influenced by my connection to this piece of literature. In time, I became more conscious of the harm that humans cause to animals every day, for selfish reasons alone. From the night I finished reading this book that so strongly affected me, I vowed never again to indirectly promote the killing and consumption of animals that I had so blindly supported up until that point. Disgust and anger resulted from my exposure to the truth. I took time to send letters to big companies and organizations, anywhere from a cosmetic company to NASA, expressing my disappointment in their cruel practices. I became a smarter shopper; checking to see if products were sold at the expense of animals. On top of that, I took more of my free time and used it to volunteer with