Chapter 6

Importance of Education

“Not surprisingly, without a high school diploma or job training-and with a criminal record- Wes found it almost impossible to find a job to support his growing family.” Pg. 110

This quote demonstrates the importance of education in order to be able to succeed and support the lives of loved ones. As demonstrated above, the second Wes Moore was unable to find employment due to his lack of a proper education, lack of training, and criminal past. Wes’s inability to support his family reveals the consequences and terrible futures that many people may have should they not obtain an education, which in the modern world, has become necessary to find employment.

Drugs

“This was the crew. They would work together, fight together, stay together. An unbreakable bond united the crew- for many members, it was the only support system they had. It was family.” Pg. 111

This quote illustrates the fact that although the young boys are working in dealing illegal substances, they also feel belonging in their respective crews, and may not have other support systems outside of this, and are searching for a place to belong. As explained by the author, many young boys turned to drugs as a way to make money, or to make friends and gain respect. The tragedy of the above scenario is that these young boys have no other mentors to turn to, and no other family they feel they can trust besides their fellow gang members.

“…the drug game was raw capitalism on overdrive with bullets, a pyramid scheme whose base was dead bodies and ruined lives.” Pg 112

Wes Moore bleakly describes the hierarchy of the drug game, revealing that although at some point people may make money, in the long run they will be ruined by their actions. Moore reveals that the drug game is dangerous, and more importantly, more than likely to ruin the futures of those involved.

Role Models and Growing Up

“They made it clear that they cared if I succeeded, and eventually so did I. The financial strain Valley Forge brought on my mother was lessened significantly after the first year, when the school gave me academic, and later athletic, scholarships.” Pg. 115

Wes Moore’s experience at the Valley Forge school clearly changed his outlook on life, displaying the importance of having proper role models throughout one’s life to gain guidance. Prior to military school, Wes had not thought or cared about the future, yet through the guidance of various classmates and teachers at Valley Forge, he began to care about his academics, excelling at what he did. Wes became notably more responsible and serious towards his life. This displays the major part of role models in lives of children, and how those who surround students have large impacts upon them and how they choose to live their lives. 

“ But I had to let this one go. I had to look at the bigger picture. My assailant was unknown, unnamed, and in a car. […] I thought about my mother and how she would feel if this escalated any further. I thought about my father and the name he chose for me.” Pg. 121

Although Wes does wish to seek revenge, he refrains from doing so, thinking of others before himself. This demonstrates both the facts that his parents were positive role models in his life, and the fact that he has begun to grow up. Realizing that revenge was not the correct way to go, Wes made a mature decision that many adults would be expected to do, and ensured the safety of himself and his friend. This demonstrates the development of a thought process. Further, Wes expresses his thoughts concerning what his parents would say to him. This demonstrates their positive influence on Wes and the importance of having positive role models. Those around us make us who we are, often making role models a determining factor in the lives of individuals.