Chapter 4

Life Choices

“ I guess it’s hard sometimes to distinguish between second chances and last chances.” Pg. 67

As explained by Wes Moore, it is never possible to determine when one might obtain another opportunity or chance. Second chances may be very rare; however, it is so easy to assume that another opportunity will come along. Nobody is sure as to what the future will hold, and it is evident that the two Wes Moores see that single decisions throughout the years have made their lives what they are today.  This reveals that nothing can be taken for granted, and decisions must be taken seriously as one could change a life for the better or worse.

“If you won’t listen, that’s on you. You have potential to do so much more, go so much further. You can lead a horse to water, buy you can’t make him drink, right?” Pg. 72

Wes’s older brother, Tony, emphasizes that Wes has the power to better his life if he simply stays on the right track. Tony is determined to make sure his younger brother does not make the same mistakes as he did, demonstrating the importance of the decisions these men were forced to make as young boys. It is evident that Tony regrets his decisions to become involved with drugs, as he constantly warns his brother not to do so, as it will ruin his future. As demonstrated, individuals can only be taken so far and given so many opportunities in life. At one point, people are left to make their own decisions, which will proceed to shape the rest of their lives.

“You kids are way too young to be in this situation. But you know what, I see kids like you here every day. If you don’t get smart, I am certain I will see you again. That’s the sad part.” Pg. 83

This particular quote demonstrates that life choices can completely alter the future. The police officer clearly does not take pride or feel better about arresting the young boys, only saddened by the fact that they have chosen to partake in criminal activities. Almost described as a circuit, the police officer, and to an extent the young boys, recognize that they will only to continue to get into trouble or ignore the law unless they change their actions. This quote emphasizes that the young boys have the ability to create brighter future for themselves, demonstrating the importance of the choices they make and the lessons they choose to take away from their experiences.

Role Models

“Wes wanted to be just like Tony. Tony wanted Wes to be nothing like him.”

This quote illustrates that no person can control who, or what another person looks up to or admires. Although Tony understands that Wes should not view him as a role model, Wes does so anyways, following in the similar footsteps of his brother, regardless to the warnings he received. Further, it is shown that those who surround a person will play a major role in shaping their character. The bond between families, and in this case brothers, may be very strong; however, blood ties do not guarantee a good role model who will be able to foster the healthy growth of another.

“She closed her eyes; her mid raced: who is to blame for this? Tony, the neighborhood, the school system, Wes’s friends? She put them all on trial in her mind.” Pg. 75

Wes’s mother seems to blame all the people surrounding Wes for his troubles, however, never evaluates herself and her role in Wes’s life. This demonstrates that many times individuals look for causes or reasons as to why events happen, looking to blame all others but themselves. This demonstrates that family relations do not always correlate with positive role models Wes’s mother hypothesizes and understands that others surrounding Wes may act as his role models and be the reason for the way he acts; however, does not consider herself in the equation.