Margaret Mead's Essay: The Power Of Determination

Why is recounting one’s childhood memories valuable? Childhood plays a very significant aspect in an individual’s developing life and can bring positive outlooks when it comes to storytelling. There have been numerous stories I have heard from my father, but there is one in particular, which has stood out and has made an impact on me. The short story “The Power of Determination” is about a teenager who was raised in terrible home conditions and had an unhealthy family, but chose to continue to go to school and become successful. This short story relates to Margaret Mead’s essay “We are all Third Generation”, both contributed the analogies of willingness to outwork others and staying determined to become successful. It is suggested to develop into a prosperous person you will need to perform with gracious determination, take in consideration of the people who raised you, and no matter in what situation you are placed in, have motivation to strive. “The Power of Determination” is considered an emotional piece where many individuals can relate to and personally influence you to better yourself. The short narrative is based on a true story of an American boy who was raised in foster care and was surrounded by a negative environment during his adolescence. Even though he did not have someone to push him to do his school assignments, to study, and to apply for college, he accomplished all of it without any support. My father started telling me this influential story at a young age, and it impacted me in a tremendous way. As I grew older it affected me because I figured that there should be no reason to stop striving for a more dependable successful future. Some people need that extra push for perseverance, however I’ve acknowledged how individuals should find a reason why they want to be successful and push themselves. Like my childhood story, he knew he didn’t live in the best conditions, so he independently searched for a more educated and sophisticated forthcoming. In the meantime, Margaret Mead’s essay “We are all Third Generation” is written to describe how families come to America to retrieve a better life. …show more content…
They force themselves to provide for their family and put effort into fitting in, however it is mentioned how their children are not appreciated and the parents are left behind. First generations leave their families in the hope to start fresh and find a more rewarding lifestyle. However, second and third generations do the same, but become careless and unappreciative towards the ones who raised them. What they don’t realize is how blessed they were to even have a family that supported them and pushed them to flourish. For that reason, Mead’s essay has influenced me not to fall into that stereotype of third generations and be thankful for all the blessings that have occurred in my life. The childhood story my father told me and Mead’s essay is similar when it comes to individuals overcoming their life obstacles and thriving to become successful. They have both affected me since they show no matter what situation you are in, or where you come from, you should find something that motivates you and to not turn your back on your family. “The Power of Determination” has brought so much inspiration, it makes me question how a human being can survive such harsh