Jean-Luc Salib
Ms. Borelli
English IV
3/13/16
We all experience adversity in our lives. However, for some the deck seems overwhelmingly stacked against them. They face multiple obstacles like poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and hardships within their families. In the novel, The Other Wes Moore, the author recounts the story of two boys with the same name who both came from underprivileged backgrounds, yet end up living drastically different lives. Similarly, one famous celebrity who managed to overcome the adversity of his youth is Curtis James Jackson III, more commonly known by his fans, as the rapper 50 Cent. All of these young men are molded by the decisions they make; decisions that will have lasting impacts on their lives. An analysis of events in the lives of Wes Moore and 50 Cent provide the opportunity to explore the pivotal moments in life that can completely alter destiny.
The story of 50 Cent begins on July 6, 1975 in New York City when he was born to a young single mother. “As a kid, 50 lived in a rough neighborhood in Queens, part of New York City. His mother was a drug dealer who was murdered when he was 8 years old” (Brian 17). After his mother’s death he was raised by his grandparents. Although …show more content…
our destinies can be determined by a single stumble down the wrong path, or a tentative step down the right one." (Moore xiv). 50 Cent and Wes both experienced the effects of the poor choices they made as teenagers. Those ill-fated decisions resulted in negative interactions with the authorities. Had they continued both would have spent a significant portion of their lives in prison or would have died young. These men were fortunate to have changed direction early enough that their lives were not completely derailed. The significant similarities in their experiences clarify that making the right choice at the right time can be truly life
Ms. Borelli
English IV
3/13/16
We all experience adversity in our lives. However, for some the deck seems overwhelmingly stacked against them. They face multiple obstacles like poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and hardships within their families. In the novel, The Other Wes Moore, the author recounts the story of two boys with the same name who both came from underprivileged backgrounds, yet end up living drastically different lives. Similarly, one famous celebrity who managed to overcome the adversity of his youth is Curtis James Jackson III, more commonly known by his fans, as the rapper 50 Cent. All of these young men are molded by the decisions they make; decisions that will have lasting impacts on their lives. An analysis of events in the lives of Wes Moore and 50 Cent provide the opportunity to explore the pivotal moments in life that can completely alter destiny.
The story of 50 Cent begins on July 6, 1975 in New York City when he was born to a young single mother. “As a kid, 50 lived in a rough neighborhood in Queens, part of New York City. His mother was a drug dealer who was murdered when he was 8 years old” (Brian 17). After his mother’s death he was raised by his grandparents. Although …show more content…
our destinies can be determined by a single stumble down the wrong path, or a tentative step down the right one." (Moore xiv). 50 Cent and Wes both experienced the effects of the poor choices they made as teenagers. Those ill-fated decisions resulted in negative interactions with the authorities. Had they continued both would have spent a significant portion of their lives in prison or would have died young. These men were fortunate to have changed direction early enough that their lives were not completely derailed. The significant similarities in their experiences clarify that making the right choice at the right time can be truly life