The themes in this chapter are Mentoring, Life Choices, and Parallel Biographies.
Mentoring:
"I thought about Lieutenant Colonel Murnane, my tenth-and eleventh-grade history and social studies teacher, who lit a fire in me about the importance of public service." (Page 132)
Colonel Murnane instilled an important value in Wes, which changed his life forever. Many times, when a teen is going nowhere, they will have a "screw the world" attitude. However, Wes's teacher convinced him otherwise. He taught Wes that there are disadvantaged people that need help and to have an unselfish attitude. Anyone can have a positive impact on a young person's life that causes them to change.
"[Colonel Murphy] said something I will never forget. 'When it is time for you to leave this school, leave your job, or even leave this earth, you make sure you have worked hard to make sure it mattered you were ever here.'"(Page 133)
This quote really resonated with Wes. Like Colonel Murnane, Colonel Murphy made sure that every person had a positive impact on the world. Teens are often inspired and motivated by quotes like those to make a difference in their world. They will do everything they can to make their world a better place, and it can influence their career choices. Their perspectives on life can change, making them want to make a positive impact on the world.
Life Choices:
"I wanted to stay at Valley Forge and attend its junior college, which would allow me to …become a second lieutenant in the Army. I wanted to lead soldiers."(Page 133)
Wes's decision to enter the army was based off of Colonel Murnane and Colonel Murphy's teachings. He wanted to make a positive impact and serve his country. This is one example of how good mentors can sway a young person's career decision. If he had decided to play basketball instead, his path could have been different. Anytime someone becomes highly respected and their mentors say that they have a bright future, it can greatly impact the direction that the person could decide to go in.
"As the baking soda swirled in the rapidly heating pot, Wes held the plastic bag with both hands and poured in nine ounces of cocaine."(Page 145)
At this point, Wes 2 had returned from the Job Corps program. Alicia and Cheryl both wanted him to send money so they could take care of his children. However, he had not been able to send a lot of money, so they were both accusing him of failing to take care of his children. In order to provide for them, he reverted back to dealing drugs, since a lot of money was made that way. That is understandable since he had very little money. Sometimes, however, someone who has limited options due to a lack of education can be emotionally unstable and unable to cope with their problems. They have been so used to using violence and drugs on the streets to deal with it that there is no other way for them to do it. Wes is one of those people. This choice would ultimately put his life back on the wrong track.
Parallel Biographies:
"His quick success had Wes thinking differently about his life…Just as he had on the corners of Baltimore, Wes became a leader."(Page 142)
At this time, Wes had finished Job Corps testing and he was able to take an accelerated track in order to get his GED and start vocational training. He was at the top of his class, and people looked up to him because he was bright and he set an example for the others as to how one should go about their life. His success gave him hope for his life. Whenever someone goes through a rough time, they are often depressed and they think negatively about life. When things start to go well, the black cloud over their head passes and they automatically start to think more positively. Their initial success can cause them to become leaders as well as give them the confidence to take control of their lives. Wes's journey here is similar to when the author Wes became an officer. He turned his life around at Valley Forge and was recognized for it by his chain of command. This turn of events also caused his outlook on life to change.
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