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Nisha Ward wrote: ↑06 Jul 2019, 07:44 I agree that his experiences helped shape him but not just with his successes. With the disappointment of his father and the way his aunt Edith treated him, I think it also fostered the kind of independence that ended with him giving up some pretty great opportunities like working with Dr. Axelrod.

briellejee wrote: ↑05 Jul 2019, 20:59 As I've read along, the parts that struck me the most was the author's childhood experiences, especially learning about his true father, his mother being harsh on him because of his Auntie, his Auntie giving him a hard time. Do you think these childhood experiences contributed somehow to his success later on in his life? Do you think if they didn't happen he would still be able to achieve what he had achieved later on? One instance for me is that if he didn't undergo that moment where he stood up against his Auntie, he wouldn't have been able to survive med school. What are other instances you can think of?

briellejee wrote: ↑06 Jul 2019, 09:36

Nisha Ward wrote: ↑06 Jul 2019, 07:44 I agree that his experiences helped shape him but not just with his successes. With the disappointment of his father and the way his aunt Edith treated him, I think it also fostered the kind of independence that ended with him giving up some pretty great opportunities like working with Dr. Axelrod.

Oh that's a good one! His experiences really shaped him and his attitude and character towards others. I do agree that those opportunities with Dr. Axelrod seemed promising, but I think it turned out fine on the author's part.

Wambui-nj wrote: ↑07 Jul 2019, 01:06 I wouldn't say, Yes or No. I believe you use your painful and hard past to propel you to achieve higher goals and prove your oppressors wrong. On the other hand, he could have used his past as an excuse to turn to self-pity and keep whining about his shortcomings. I wouldn't pin his success to his childhood experiences because it could have turned either way. It is purely about his will power and working hard.

briellejee wrote: ↑05 Jul 2019, 20:59 As I've read along, the parts that struck me the most was the author's childhood experiences, especially learning about his true father, his mother being harsh on him because of his Auntie, his Auntie giving him a hard time. Do you think these childhood experiences contributed somehow to his success later on in his life? Do you think if they didn't happen he would still be able to achieve what he had achieved later on? One instance for me is that if he didn't undergo that moment where he stood up against his Auntie, he wouldn't have been able to survive med school. What are other instances you can think of?

briellejee wrote: ↑07 Jul 2019, 07:33

Wambui-nj wrote: ↑07 Jul 2019, 01:06 I wouldn't say, Yes or No. I believe you use your painful and hard past to propel you to achieve higher goals and prove your oppressors wrong. On the other hand, he could have used his past as an excuse to turn to self-pity and keep whining about his shortcomings. I wouldn't pin his success to his childhood experiences because it could have turned either way. It is purely about his will power and working hard.

Oh! your perspective is good! But I do think our past experiences contribute somehow, even his tenacity to prove others wrong came from his past experiences. But I do agree that it could've turned either way. Maybe he has a strong character that made him overcome those possible negative outcomes. I think, with your perspective in mind, it all boils down to his personality.

briellejee wrote: ↑05 Jul 2019, 20:59 As I've read along, the parts that struck me the most was the author's childhood experiences, especially learning about his true father, his mother being harsh on him because of his Auntie, his Auntie giving him a hard time. Do you think these childhood experiences contributed somehow to his success later on in his life? Do you think if they didn't happen he would still be able to achieve what he had achieved later on? One instance for me is that if he didn't undergo that moment where he stood up against his Auntie, he wouldn't have been able to survive med school. What are other instances you can think of?

Shilpa Paul wrote: ↑07 Jul 2019, 21:24 The experiences of childhood have a long lasting and a deep impact on an individual. But it also depends on the choices one makes that makes him who he is. Experiences just made him strong and determined to face difficulties in life head on.