Davi Lago, a 39-year-old lawyer and pastor, shares a personal story about his journey to literacy that began with headlines from the Folha newspaper. Born in 1986, the same year Halley's Comet last passed Earth, Lago's connection to the newspaper runs deep, as his father saved the edition released on his birth date, which featured a significant photo of the comet alongside news of a notable political figure and the health concerns of a famous football player, Zico. This initial experience with the newspaper has shaped his life and his love for reading.

From a young age, Lago's mother, Esmeralda, took an active role in his education by teaching him to read at home. She utilized the headlines from Folha as a teaching tool, breaking down the syllables and engaging him in a way that sparked his interest in literacy. This process not only helped Lago learn to read, but it also instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for journalism and news, illustrating how personal stories intertwine with broader cultural practices of literacy within families in Brazil.

This narrative emphasizes the lasting impact of parental involvement in education and how linguistic skills can develop from everyday experiences like reading the news. Lago's journey highlights the importance of media literacy and the role newspapers like Folha play in shaping individuals' understanding of the world around them. As he reflects on his upbringing, it serves as a reminder of how community-oriented practices contribute to literacy and engagement with media, especially in today's rapidly evolving information landscape.