Monthly Archives: February 2013

“My damages are not only impaired by my refusal to be ill but substantially comprised by my own actions.” (Robson p. 235)

This paragraph is powerful because Robson creatively injects his mind with a positive outlook to improve his life. He vows to own his journey with “cancer” and declines advice from world famous cancer-center. As result, the paragraph is a positive contrast from the pessimistic positions, dominated by the doctors throughout this story. His act of defiance against a system that is unjust in their treatment adds in making this an effective paragraph. I find valuable that Robson a lawyer: sentence himself to a prolonged life, not a death sentence as the doctors suggested.

He demonstrates mind over matter during a life threatening event, which is something many readers will connect to, and be inspired by.

Jay

It was November the 5th 2008. The day after President Obama was first elected. “I killed it all!” my uncle said. His expression was odd, but then I thought; what might one learn from a killer? There are so many reasons why one should never kill; but in my uncle’s line of work it was a hit after-hit after –hit! He believed he was invincible.

“Jay, this is not right! How can I ever do something so carelessly? I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I don’t even sleep anymore. I killed it all!” my uncle said with a grievous tone. He was not referring to taking another person’s life but my uncle spoke as if he was directly responsible for a homicide.

“How did you kill it all, uncle?” I asked. I knew he was an extremely successful music executive through 1980’s and early 2000’s. He instructed me to look at President Obama and to think of what brought him to the White House. “That’s someone who has ‘It’!” he stated. “What does he have?” I replied? He responded in a ministerial tone; “it’s clear he has a whole lot of things but he most definitely has a plan!”

“I killed millions of dollars and murdered countless hours!” he said tiresomely!” Then he stated, “I killed it all because I had never had a plan. I was winging it the whole time. Obama won because he has a plan! You need to get a plan and everyday work smarter at accomplishing your goals!”

This was a tremendous turning point in my life. I discovered what having a plans means. I analyzed my uncle’s success, along with his current position, including the accomplishments of President Obama as he won the White House. That exercise enabled me to understand the importance of developing clear aims for my future. Furthermore, in an extreme sense, my take-away from my uncle’s conversation: not having a plan is almost like living without a life.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for reading my essay.

My goal was to create suspense, share a truthfully story from my past and how has it has shaped my perspective towards life.

I surely would benefit from:  “Unity of tense” (Zinsser p50)

Although I believe the essay flowed nicely. It would have been delightful, if I allowed you to time travel through my story in an effortless manner, by employing the “Unity of tense.”

I  also should have shared a better understanding of the dynamics of my uncle’s life and personality.

I should have provided you with an example of how this event has changed my life.

Furthermore, I could have explored the African American connection that my family shares with President Obama.

Thanks,

Jay

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