What Is Your Commitment?

In life, commitments are made almost every single day, either to our parents, our teachers, or our own friends. However, commitments aren’t just promises, but it is to have enthusiasm to complete a task or a purpose. Through commitment, one can have the opportunity to push forward onto a desired goal. As Jill Koenig once said, “Commitment is the glue that bonds you to your goals.” Regardless of an individual’s mission in life, there are three important requisites in staying committed to one’s goals: sacrifice, purpose, and determination. In the novel, “The Other Wes Moore,” the author focuses on various themes within chapters four to six. However, there is one specific theme that is prevalent within all three chapters, commitment. Similarly, this theme of commitment can also be seen in my personal life.

Throughout high school, there were several obstacles that were blocking my path in achieving my goal of becoming a chemical engineer. Financially, my parents were struggling in order to pay off bills, the mortgage, school expenses, and other cost. In order to alleviate these expenses and help pay for my college education in the near future, my father did back-breaking work, continuously lifting and carrying heavy jars of glue, while my mother worked long harsh hours struggling to carry boxes despite her back injury. Truly, it broke my heart to see my parents work this hard just so I can go to college. For this reason, throughout my four years of high school, I worked diligently, trying to somehow lessen this financial burden. I also became committed in accomplishing my goal of obtaining a full-ride from a prestigious University to help my parents. As a result of my sacrifice, search for purpose, and determination, I earned an A in every class I have taken despite taking various honors and AP courses. Through this accomplishment, I was ranked number four in a class of 277. Likewise, I was also given an award for being the only senior to maintain straight A’s throughout all four years of high school.

Unfortunately, colleges do not solely look at your academic record, but search for a student that is well-involved within their community. In order to be secured in accomplishing my goal, I joined various productive clubs, and was inducted to four National Honors Societies in my school: National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Math National Honors Society, and Italian National Honors Society. Other than these organizations, my Christian faith and beliefs have driven me to benefit communities other than my own, and to help those in great need. In spite of my commitment and dedication, I earned a full-ride at NJCU, and won other scholarships to cover other school expenses.

In like manner, Wes Moore was committed in bettering himself personally, and academically. Prior to coming to Valley Forge, Wes Moore refused to conform to their policies. Hoping that his mother, Joy Thomas, would receive him back home, Wes promises to commit into becoming a good student and son. However, his mother refuses his offer since several sacrifices were made to make him attend such a school. Once he heard this, Wes made it his commitment to better himself in order to alleviate his mother’s financial burden. As a result of his commitment, Wes received an academic and athletic scholarship. Also, through his dedication in changing his character, Wes became a platoon sergeant, cadet master, and the youngest senior noncommissioned officer in the entire corps. As for the other Wes Moore, he was committed in making big bucks like his brother, Tony, who he looked up to periodically. In trying to make big bucks, the other Wes Moore begins selling drugs and makes plenty of cash to buy expensive items such as Nike sneakers. Unlike the other Wes, this Wes Moore was becoming negatively affected by his commitment to selling drugs. Because of this, he became even more violent; eventually shooting someone in the middle of the night. Also, he was not able to finish high school and earn his diploma since he was in jail. In having no diploma and a criminal record, Wes could not find a job, which made it difficult to support his growing family.

Furthermore, commitment can positively or negatively shape an individual’s life. However, without a doubt, it will “glue” an individual onto their desired goals. Individuals such as both Wes Moores, and myself had set aspirations. Due to our sacrifice, search for purpose, and determination, each of us are situated in a certain position because of our commitment.