Condoleezza Rice Research Paper

Condoleezza Rice was the first African American woman to become Secretary of State. She is also a renowned political science professor at Stanford University and a concert pianist. With hard work, dedication, confidence, and support, she became one of the most successful politicians America has ever seen. Condoleezza Rice’s success story is interesting because various aspects of her life prove many of Malcolm Gladwell’s theories, including the Matthew Effect, The 10,000 hour rule, timing, support, and practical intelligence.
THE LEGEND
Condoleeza Rice was born at a time where racism and segregation were still present in Birmingham, Alabama. There was racism in schools, public transportation, and even in local restaurants. Although the odds of becoming successful in the town of Birmingham were slim, Rice was strong and was able to defy all odds. A portion of Rice’s …show more content…
Condoleezza’s area of expertise is in political science. Condoleeza spent a great deal of time studying and teaching political science while she was earning her master’s and doctoral degrees and while she was a professor at Stanford University. The average student working towards a master’s degree spends about fifteen hours of studying each week (Nelson). Rice spent about twelve years earning her Ph.D and was an above average student. Although the exact time she spent studying is not documented, one could presume she spent about twenty hours studying per week. In total, the amount of time she studied political science in college was 12,514.2 hours. With just her college experience, she exceeds Gladwell’s 10,000 hour theory. Condoleeza then furthered these hours with practical application teaching and working. Presumably, these total hours of deliberate practice contribute to Rice’s expertise in foreign affairs and