Success

SUCCESS One’s strength of character and dedication that eventually leads to the accomplishment of a goal.

Jesse Owens: Olympic Gold

Jesse Owens, a renowned olympic athlete, demonstrates the definition of success.

He appears the epitome of one’s hard work and dedication leading to the accomplishment of their goal. In pre-Civil Rights America, Jesse Owens suffered the hardships of racial prejudice despite his incredible running ability. In fact, Jesse Owens made it to the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games in the era of Hitler in Nazis Germany. Differing from today, Hitler believed “Aryans”, or people originating from Europe, appeared as the superior race compared to African Americans or Jewish people​ (​ “Jesse Owens - Conquering”). However, Jesse Owens proves his strength of character by rising above the racial prejudice from both the Nazis and the American people, to become one of the most recognized Olympians of all time.

When first arriving in Berlin, Owens suffered racial discrimination from all the German citizens attending the 1936 Olympic Games. Consequently, Hitler tried to implement an “Aryans-only”policy throughout German athletic operations (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”).

Hitler depicted African American “as anything but human” (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”). Despite this horrific label, Jesse Owens decided to participate in the Games aware of the many dangers he faced due to the color of his skin. In fact, the American team pulled two Jewish runners, Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, due to fear of Hitler’s retaliation. Owens not only took their place and won the relay, but also happened to set another world record (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”). After the win, the Germans became more impressed by Owens while the Americans still could not accept him due to the color of his skin.

Despite the racial prejudice against Owens, he still proved his strength of character in the Olympics. During the Games, Owens won a total of four gold medals, once again proving himself as one of the best Olympians in history (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”). Moreover, Owens went on to equal the world record in the 100 meter dash as well as breaking the world record

for the 200-meter dash (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”). In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Jesse Owens and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom (“Jesse Owens - Conquering”). For this reason, Jesse Owens proves that hard work, dedication, and rising above racial prejudice pays off in the best way possible: accomplishment of one’s goal.

All in all, Jesse Owens inspires others to rise above skepticism and prove themselves.

Owens influenced other adults who dealt with racial prejudicism, in order to coax them to decide for themselves what they can do and not to let others do it for them. Moreover, Owens also speaks for young, impressionable children, in hopes of encouraging them to prove their doubters wrong by accomplishing their goal.

Ultimately, Jesse Owens, one of the world’s greatest Olympians, not only rose above racism to break records and win medals; but also inspires others to stand up for themselves and what they want.

October Sky Review

Homer Hickam Jr.’s memoir ​October Sky​, originally published as R ​ ocket Boys​ in 1998, illustrates the story of how a young boy’s perseverance lead to his dream of a better life. In 1957, the beginning of the historical Space Race, young Homer Hickam realized that his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia seemed too small for the goals he wanted to achieve. Like his idol, Dr. Wernher von Braun, Hickam aspired to build a rocket of his own, even though it went against his father’s wishes. Consequently, Hickam’s mother did encourage her son to pursue rocketierring, in hopes it would lead to the escape of mining life in Coalwood. Her support of Hickam only developed additional family pressure between Hickam and his father. Near the climax of the story, Hickam wrote of how the townspeople switched from their devotion of the High School football team to the group of rocket boys. Throughout the story Hickam faces both ridicule from his father as well as his classmates, testing his perseverance.

Ultimately, Hickam succeeds in his goal and became a NASA engineer, demonstrating that strength of devotion and character prove success in accomplishment over others’ negativity (Lehmann-Haupt).

Harry Potter Franchise Review

J.K. Rowling’s novel franchise ​Harry Potter​, published in 1997, tells the story of a young boy who learns his untold origins of marvelous wizardry, only to defeat the malevolent dark lord, Voldemort. Harry begins his story in the cupboard under the stairs, until his 11th birthday when he discovers his invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At this school, Harry learns of charms, spells, and potions; but most importantly, Harry learns of genuine

friendship. Despite the many challenges of bullies, like Draco Malfoy, evil teachers, and Lord Voldemort; Harry appears to get through the rough patches in his life with the help of his friends. Over the course of seven books, Harry discovers that he alone can defeat Lord Voldemort. As a result of this realization, Harry leaves Hogwarts in his final year, leaving behind friends as well, to devise a plan to finally kill Voldemort once and for all. Rowling displays Harry’s true diligence as the Dark Lord tests him and subdues him at every turn. In the final book, Harry ultimately defeats Voldemort to liberate the wizarding world of wrongdoing. All in all, Rowling conveys H ​ arry Potter​’s character growth from a frightened child to a dedicated hero, protecting the ones he loves (Kakutani).

Out of the two, I would choose to read the Harry Potter​ franchise by J.K. Rowling. Even though ​October Sky​ displays true dedication towards one dream and the accomplishment of it, Harry Potter​ embellishes both mystery and an escape from reality. This embellishment draws readers in, encompassing the story of how love and friendship triumph over the forces of evil.

Simone Biles’s Story

Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles, exemplifies my definition of success through her devotion to gymnastics. Biles and her sister started in foster care after their mother suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. Fortunately, Biles’s grandparents adopted both her and her sister and also encouraged her to try gymnastics(Masters). Due to her gymnastics career, Simone now works hard everyday to ensure she maintains her title and her physique.

As a result, Biles attended the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Simone Biles dedicates the majority of her time working hard on gymnastics. In fact, Biles wakes up around 7:40 am everyday, displaying her commitment to the sport as well as strength for getting up early everyday (Farah).

In the morning, Simone eats a nutritious breakfast of egg whites and a light protein of fish for lunch, in order to keep her intensity up for gymnastics (Farah). After eating, Biles goes to the gym for three hours in the morning as well as three additional hours in the afternoon before going home to relax for the rest of the day (Farah). Biles spends almost her entire life at the gym, proving how much she commits to gymnastics and how her work eventually pays off in competitions. Although all athletes work incredibly hard to maintain their physique as well as hopes of accomplishing their goals; Biles proves to work the hardest due to her rough beginning in life.

As a result of Simone Biles devotion and hard work towards gymnastics, she has achieved her goals of world titles an Olympic medals.

Notably, Biles has a total of 14 medals including: ten gold, two silver, and two bronze (Masters).

These medals, Biles proves her undoubtable skill and dedication to gymnastics and how it pays off in her favor. In addition to her medals, Biles has won three world championships, proving herself as the best in the world at what she does (Masters). Biles has decided to participate in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan. Despite the idea that most women gymnasts reach their prime in their teenage

years, Biles chooses to defy this stereotype and try for her second Olympics (Masters). Biles proves once again her love for gymnastics by refusing to give up, which also encourages others to do the same.

Given these points, Biles demonstrates my definition of success by non-stop work and refusal to give up on her beloved sport.

Henceforth, Biles relates to children from a terrible background like herself, in order to illustrate how dedication leads to accomplishment and for them to never give up on their long-awaited dreams. Biles also speaks for naive children by inspiring them to accomplish their dreams no matter how challenging they appear to others. Simone Biles exhibits true hard work as well as determination to accomplish her goals and encourages others to do the same.

Rabbit-Proof Fence Review

The riveting true-story of R ​ abbit-Proof Fence, ​directed by Phillip Noyce, exhibits an example of the disgraceful, racist history in Australia during the last century. In the 1930s, the Australian government forcibly separated mixed-race children, labeled half-calves, from their mothers. The government then emitted these children to settlement camps hundreds of miles away from their homes. At these camps, government officials taught young, impressionable children the dictating white culture and their religion. Of these children, Molly, Daisy, and Gracie decide to run away and reunite with their mothers. ​Rabbit-Proof Fence i​ llustrates true, devastating heartbreak, as three children desperately journey 1,200 miles on foot in hopes of seeing their mothers again. The movie also displays true heroism for young girls, as the oldest, Molly, steps forward to lead the other two home. Towards the conclusion of the story, only two of the girls reach their mothers. Gracie faced recapture and would never again see her mother.

The movie ends with the girls’ mothers painting their skin a darker color, for they can start a new life without fear of recapture. The story of Rabbit-Proof Fence​ reveals true heroism and dedication of a young girl, expressing a true element of triumph while safely making it home despite the challenges faced (Holden).

Finding Nemo Review

The fictional and delightful tale of ​Finding Nemo​, directed by Andrew Stanton, a child-friendly adventure about finding one’s loved one. The main character, a clown fish named Marlin, tragically loses his son, Nemo, to a group of diving dentists. These dentists kidnap Nemo and put him in a fish tank located in a Sydney, Australia dentist office. When faced with the loss of his son, Marlin decides to travel across the ocean to find him. On his journey, Marlin meets the mentally-disabled, friendly fish named Dori.

Together they survive many challenges while crossing the ocean: such as sharks, fish trying to eat them, a whale swallowing them, and overcoming the deadly seagulls. Towards the end of the story, Nemo and Marlin reunite.

Unfortunately, a fishing net that captures Nemo and Dori disrupts their reunion. With the help of other fish, Dori and Nemo escape the viscous fishing boat’s net. In all, ​Finding Nemo​ represents true dedication to never giving up in hopes of reuniting with lost loved ones; also prompting the important message to keep moving forward no matter what (or to “just keep swimming”) (Holden).

Overall, I would probably choose to watch the funny and heartwarming movie, ​Finding Nemo​. Although ​Rabbit-Proof Fence​ includes historical injustices as well as a strong determination to reunite with one’s family, F ​ inding Nemo ​includes jokes as well as humorous characters to create a light-hearted tone. This tone makes the movie acceptable for young children, while also making adults feel like a child again.

Claudia Bunker’s Comments on Success

What appears as your greatest challenge on the road towards your goal?

“Right now my greatest challenge would have to be procrastination. I always get work done to the best of my ability, but setting goals and getting things done sooner could drastically improve my mindset and heath overall.”

Who is your own mentor that encouraged you?

Why? “My high-school rowing coach definitely encouraged me. She was one of the first people who ever was able to see what I'm capable of, and she put me into situations where I could see it for myself.

She pushed me to be the best version of myself in all What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why? “The quote that immediately pops into my head is "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" -Wayne Gretzky. This was practically my life motto when I was a shy freshman and sophomore in high-school and my last two years were exponentially more fulfilling because I put

myself out there and took chances that I wouldn't have before.”

How would you describe your upbringing? Did your parents encourage you to reach your goal?

“I was extremely fortunate in that my upbringing was incredible; two loving parents, good schooling, amazing experiences. My parents did encourage my to reach my goals especially in high school, although at the time I might've said the encouragement was a little extreme, They had very high expectations and I was afraid I wouldn't fulfill them.

Looking back now I'm very glad they pushed me so much because I doubt I'd be where I am today without their encouragement.”

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

“This is a question I have had to think about a lot recently in choosing a specialty. Although I haven't decided on my exact future job, I know for sure that I want to be both happy and comfortable in whatever I choose to do. So many people dread going to work and live weekend to weekend, and I really don't want this to happen to me. Wherever I end up with whomever I end up with, I want to enjoy life and not breeze through weekdays to get some relief.”

With whom do you share your success with?

How have they helped you on this journey?

“My family, without a doubt. I hope that I can pave a path to success for my three younger siblings and encourage them in whatever they want to pursue. These people have loved me unconditionally and supported me even on my worst days, and I would be nowhere without them. I can't even describe the intense proud feeling I have when anyone in my family accomplishes their goals and I'd like to think they feel the same way about my successes.”

Works Cited Connor, Tracy. “Simone Biles Says She Was Molested by Larry Nassar.” ​NBC News​, NBC Universal, 15 Jan. 2018.

Farah, Alexis. “Olympian Simone Biles Dishes on How She's Training, Eating, and Mentally Prepping Before Rio.” ​Women's Health​, Hearst Communications, 29 July 2016.

Glenn. ​Six Core Human Needs​. 20 Mar. 2014.

Helen Goble's Photo of Celeste Bunker​. 2 Nov. 2015.

Hickam, Homer H. ​Rocket Boys: a Memoir​. Dell Publishing, 1998.

Holden, Stephen. “FILM REVIEW; Aborigine Girls Run Away From a Racist Program.”

The New York Times​, The New York Times, 29 Nov. 2002.

Holden, Stephen. “FILM REVIEW; Vast Sea, Tiny Fish, Big Crisis.” ​The New York Times​, The New York Times, 30 May 2003.

Jesse Owens​.

Kakutani, Michiko. “An Epic Showdown as Harry Potter Is Initiated Into Adulthood.” ​The New York Times​, The New York Times, 19 July 2007.

Lehmann-Haupt, Christopher. “'Rocket Boys': How Chasing a Star Structured a Boy's Life.”​The New York Times​, The New York Times, 1 Oct. 1998.

Masters, James. “Simone Biles Wins All-around Gymnastic Gold.” ​CNN​, Cable News Network, 12 Aug. 2016, 1:40 AM. Noyce, Phillip, director. ​Rabbit-Proof Fence​. Miramax Home Entertainment., 2002.

Olympics30.com. “Jesse Owens - Conquering the World through Racial and Physical Obstacles.” ​Olympic Stories​.

Photo of Claudia Bunker​. 4 Sept. 2016.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter. Scholastic, 1998.

Stanton, Andrew, director. ​Finding Nemo​. Disney, 2003.

About the Author:

I, Celeste Bunker, currently reside in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where I devote most of my time to junior year at Chagrin Falls High School. As a junior, I take many rigorous courses such as: AP Language Composition, AP Computer Science, AP Government and Politics. These courses require lots of hours of preparation and homework in order to achieve good grades and hopefully pass the AP exam. Although, I have had to put more work into computer science this year because the curriculum has challenged me greatly.. Besides AP’s, I also take a creative writing course taught by Ms. Philips, which teaches many different writing styles such as narrative, poetry, and playwriting. Creative writing happens to be one of my favorite pastimes, and I write my own stories in my freetime away from sports and school. I love to write mostly fiction as well as poetry, which appear as mostly metaphors for my own life or the lives of my friends.

Outside of school, I participate in numerous extracurriculars, including: the Chagrin Falls swimming and diving team, the girls’ lacrosse team, LifeAct Youth Advisory Board (YAB), Interact club, Principal's Advisory council, an environmental club called ChaGreen, and Link Crew. Of all my extracurriculars, I love lacrosse the most. I play the position of goalie, which means I have to present myself as a leader to

the rest of my team. In relation to success, defined as how hard work and dedication leads to the accomplishment of a certain goal, I practice lacrosse about two hours everyday. Even after I come home from practice, of course after all my homework appears mostly done, I will work on my stick skills for about another half an hour or so. I hope to work hard enough for my team to win a state championship this year; because we have tried to capture the title of “state championships” for the last several years, but have never actually achieved one. This year our team hopes that our hardwork and dedication will pay off, and that we can finally achieve our title and rings to match.

In my other extracurriculars, I meet once a month or two for the LifeAct YAB in order to fight against suicide and recognize depression. As a part of LifeAct, the YAB organizes an annual walk where we have guest speakers come and speak to young teens about the importance of mental health. During last year’s speech, the speaker spoke of how to rise above pressure to succeed to the best mental health state one can. I try to keep these words with me everyday, so that I can work hard to accomplish the personal goals that I set for myself.