The Cruelest Prank: Wes Moore and the Illusion of Freedom In Wes Moore's powerful memoir, The Other Wes Moore , we witness a heartbreaking scene where young Wes is tricked into believing he's going home. A forged letter, a carefully orchestrated phone call – all designed to give him a taste of freedom before cruelly snatching it away. This devastating prank leaves a lasting impact on Wes, underscoring the harsh realities of his situation and the desperation that can fester in the absence of hope. This incident resonated with me deeply, bringing back a memory of a prank played on me during my childhood. While nowhere near as consequential as Wes's experience, it still left a bitter taste. I was maybe eight years old, and my older brother convinced me that our local convenience store was giving away free candy to every kid who walked in. The image of that overflowing candy aisle was burned into my brain as I excitedly raced to the store, only to be met with confused star...
Posts
The Butterfly Effect: That Time I Almost Gave Up on Biology The idea that a single decision can drastically alter the course of our lives is a powerful one. It's something I've often pondered, especially when reading stories like "The Other Wes Moore," where seemingly small choices lead to vastly different outcomes. While I haven't faced life-altering decisions with the same gravity as Wes Moore, there's one particular choice that stands out in my memory, a moment where I almost veered off the path that led me to where I am today. As a biology major at New Jersey City University, I'm fascinated by the intricacies of life, the complex mechanisms that govern living organisms. But my journey to becoming a biology student wasn't a straightforward one. In fact, there was a time in high school when I almost gave up on science altogether. I've always loved animals and been curious about the natural world. As a kid, I spent hours exploring the nearby park,...
Do We Become Our Surroundings, or Our Dreams?
Do We Become Our Surroundings, or Our Dreams? We've all heard the saying "you are a product of your environment." It's the idea that where we grow up, who we're surrounded by, and the opportunities we have ultimately shape who we become. But what about our own dreams, hopes, and ambitions? Do those internal forces have an equal, or perhaps even greater, impact on our lives? This question, of whether we are products of our environment or our expectations, has always fascinated me. Thinking about my own life, I can see how both forces have played a role. I grew up in a family where hard work was valued above all else. My parents, both immigrants, instilled in me the importance of education and perseverance. My environment definitely shaped my early beliefs about success and the need to strive for stability. I was surrounded by people who worked long hours, often in challenging jobs, to provide a better life for their families. This instilled in me a strong work ...