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”The morgue acquiesced, and by Saturday afternoon we found out that he had died from acute epiglottis, a rare but treatable virus that causes the epiglottis to swell and cover the air passages to the lungs. Untreated because of the earlier misdiagnosis, my fathers body suffocated itself.” (15)

This even is significant because it sets the course for the rest of Wes's future life. Growing up without a father sets him apart from those in his community. Boys who grew up with fathers had a different understanding of "manhood", and without a father figure, he doesn't get the same level of understanding.

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“A few mornings lantern Mom woke up, made breakfast for us, and got Nikki and me off to school. Then she called her mother up in New York. Her mother had let her know that there would always be an open door for her in the Bronx if she needed it. But my mother had been determined to stick it out in the home shed bought with her husband. Until Now” (37)

This shows how the death of Wes's father uprooted his solid family life. His mother could not mentally handle the loss, so she relocated her family, therefore changing the entire future for her son

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“My Mother decided soon after our moe to the Bronx that I was not going to public school. She wasn't a snob, she was scared.” (47)

This change in schools is a significant event in Wes's life because it put him in a better situation than he could have been if he went to a normal public school in the Bronx. The private school allowed him to not get into bad behavior and make better friends than people who would be worse role models for him. He faced some difficult situations due to him being a black student in a mostly white private school but this school was an overall better choice for him and lead him to better decisions.

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Tries to bring together neighborhood with a baseball game Chp. 3 - 1987

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Tries to bring together neighborhood with a baseball game Chp. 3 - 1987

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“I think he sensed my frustration at living in mutually exclusive worlds and thought a game of baseball would bring together my neighborhood friends and my wealthier Riverdale classmates and broaden the horizons of both.” (53)

This event is important as it shows the desire to have a community and people come together and put their differences aside. Wes wants to get rid of the divides and build a positive environment for his neighborhood. It shows the desperation for unity within this community.

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“My grandparents knew that I was at a crucial juncture in my life. These forks in the road can happen so fast for young boys; within months or even weeks, their journeys can take a decisive and possibly irrevocable turn. With no intervention—or the wrong intervention—they can be lost forever."

This shows the eventual understanding that Wes has of the reasoning for being sent to military school. Upon his arrival, Wes was angry at his family, and everyone else for the situation he was put in, but as time goes on, he comes to terms with their motivation.

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Tries to escape military school Chp. 5 - 1991

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Tries to escape military school Chp. 5 - 1991

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“I was broken, dead-eyed, with my night bag still on my shoulder and the utterly useless folded map in my pocket.” (93)

When he attempted to escape his military school he found a sense of hope but after he was unsuccessful he was almost devistated. this is importent because he had not fully adjusted to this new life. he is scared and home sick. Later he wants to stay but it takes time for him to realize that this new journey is good for him, this is the turning point for him to start to want to stay. He soon gets comfortable and likes military school.

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Wes joins the Army and jumps out of  a plane Chp. 7 - 1997

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Wes joins the Army and jumps out of  a plane Chp. 7 - 1997

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“I closed my eyes and felt the air just below me flying by. I assumed the proper position, and somehow my left leg stepped out over the edge of the doorway... I felt a cocktail of beautiful emotions coursing though me: peace, love, appriciation.” (136)

This is the major turning point in Wes's life as it shows how he is ready to tackle more obstacles and step out of his comfort zone while serving his country. This event plays a huge role in his growth and development. Jumping out of the plane was when he knew that's what he wanted to continue to do.

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Decides he wants to lead soldiers Chp. 7 - 1997

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Decides he wants to lead soldiers Chp. 7 - 1997

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“My next decision was clear. I wanted to stay at Valley Forge and attend Junior college, which would allow me to go through the early commissioning process, receive my associate's degree, and become a second lieutenant in the army. I wanted to lead soldiers." (Pg 133)

This shows his commitment to making a positive impact on others while filling a leadership role in the military. It shows a sense of responsibility that reflects his growth as a person.

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Scholarship to John Hopkins University Chp. 8 - 2000

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Scholarship to John Hopkins University Chp. 8 - 2000

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"Make sure you understand who Cecil Rhodes was and what his legacy is. Know this before you apply for his scholarship." (162)

Wes getting this scholarship is important because it gives him a huge opportunity for him to receive higher education and escape the world of crime and poverty that he once endured. It also gives the chance for personal growth and greater opportunities in the future. It shows Wes's determination to build a better life for himself.