The Other Wes Moore (Intro - Chapter 3)

 The Other Wes Moore

(Intro - Chapter 3)

    


"The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his." - Wes Moore

    Wes Moore explains that the other Wes Moore's life is different because he made different decisions when it came to life choices. All decisions we make can easily alter our life paths. Something as simple as taking a different route to work, or the types of courses you enroll in, can all change the direction our lives take. In my experience, I believe that the choices and decisions I have made lead me to exactly where I need to be. I think all of our decisions have the power to alter our life, but I also feel that we ultimately end up where we need to be. I don't regret any of the choices I have made, maybe in another life I am doing something different as a result of other choices, but speaking for this life I am content with where I have ended up, and continue to go.
    
    Tony is Wes's older brother, and Tony does look out for Wes and advise him of actions and choices he should make. Tony encourages Wes to take school seriously and to stay off the streets. Since Tony is older, I feel that a lot of the advice he gives to younger Wes is advice that Tony wishes someone had told him. Tony can use his own life experiences and mistakes to help guide Wes away from that direction. I think Tony cares for Wes and that they seem to have a good relationship as brothers. In my life, I am three years older than my sister. Looking at us we seem very different, but we are as close as can be. I do try to guide her from making mistakes that I have made and learned from, but her and I are also very different people. I can take advice from someone and apply it to my life, where she is the kind of person who needs to experience it firsthand and then learn from it. Being the older sibling I feel like it is in my nature to encourage my sister to make the best choices possible, but I'll always be there for her even if she makes mistakes.
    
    When Wes moves to the Bronx to live with his grandparents along with his mother and siblings, basketball becomes a gateway and he makes new friends. I think this is a good outlet for Wes. He has moved from Maryland where he has spent most of his life and is entering a new environment. At the basketball courts he can see and interact with all kinds of people, and since he already had an interest in sports by playing (and being naturally good at) football, basketball is a positive active outlet for him. Having outlets to cope with during difficult situations is so important. It can help distance yourself from the situation and get a clear head. Reading and escaping in books is one of my favorite ways to cope with difficult times. I like to get lost in the world I'm reading about and see things from the character's perspectives. It helps take my mind off whatever I am struggling with at the moment, and I find that when I am ready to return to my reality my problems don't seem to be as bad as before.








Comments

  1. RissaApril 15, 2023 at 1:42 PM

    Bri, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm sure we've all been in a situation when we saw people make decisions that we were about to make ourselves. But one instinct in us steers us away from it. We are not flawless beings, and we become what we anticipate of ourselves. I also admire you for being so engrossed in reading and finding the solace you require through stressful times. That is admirable, and I encourage you to keep going!

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  2. NanciOvOApril 16, 2023 at 10:13 AM

    Hi Brianna,
    Thank you for your sharing,
    I agree with you about setting an example for younger brothers/sisters. Because I am seven years older than my brother, there is a big generation gap, I also try to teach but he doesn't understand, and I prefer to try it myself. I I also admire that you can focus on reading to help yourself when you are under great pressure. I hope you are getting better and better.

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  3. Anna Henriquez April 16, 2023 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Brianna,
    I absolutely loved your post. I believe that our role models and who/what we surround ourselves with can make or break us. Learning about your self and providing the resources for your self to decompress and grow in order to become the best version of your self. I also enjoy reading, it's such a great escape.

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