Ishmael 's Speech

Many times in an english class, you are assigned a book to read and you only read it because you have to. I can honestly say that this is one of the few books assigned to me that I actually wanted to read. Not only because it was interesting, but because it was truly influencial. Reading "A Long Way Gone", watching "Blood Diamond", and listening to Beah speak have really impacted the way in which I think about a lot. First off, it has made me very grateful for what I have. I am lucky to live in a place where, for the most part, I can do what I want to do and it's ok! Now, I am by no means perfect, and there will be times I'm sure when I take things for granted, but I hope that when this happens I will be able to take a step back and realize that I am living a great life. Seeing the life that Ishmael was forced to live makes my problems seem not so bad. The topic of education seemed to have been brought up a few times during his speech. While many may think this is irrelevant to the problem at hand, it really got me thinking. There are pobably so many people around the world who want to go to college and further their education, but just aren't given the opportunity. I, on the other hand, have had the chance to go to a great school (Purdue!) and follow my dreams. So, I want to try my best to take full advantage of it! There are times, I know, when it is going to be hard and I might want to give up, but, like Ishmael, I can get through it.

Not only have these sources influenced me, but they have definitely made me aware of some very controversial issues. For one, child soldiers. How can we finally put this terrible happening to an end? Also, blood diamonds. Is there a was to really know if the diamond you are purchasing costed a child his or her life? All in all, reading this book, listening to Ishmael speak, and watching this movie have really gotten me thinking!