Event Analysis #5

Elizabeth Milonas

Dr. Ellis

Understanding Literature 101.16

29 October 2013

Achieving Success

Gary Gildner’s “First Practice,” Richard Hague’s “Directions for Resisting the SAT,” Langston Hughes, “Thank You, M’am,” and Professor Catherine Savell’s information event on “Rendezvous: Haiti” all portray the common message of taking control of your life and being successful in what you wish to accomplish. Furthermore, these works of literature also stress the importance of giving others guidance, while also (personally) taking assistance from others, which adds to your success. Specifically, Gildner’s poem portrays a coach who pushes his team beyond measure because he clearly thinks they have what it takes to succeed. Hague’s poem explains how to complete tasks, in this case explicitly the SAT, on your own terms to show your success and accomplishment. Hughes’ tells the account of a boy who tries to steal a woman’s handbag from the street and instead of taking him to the police, she shows him the “correct path.” She takes him and guides him to live his life better so that he can be more accomplished. Professor Savell’s presentation on “Rendezvous: Haiti” showed what we can provide to the Haitian youth and help them obtain benefits that otherwise would not even be possible and therefore aid their success.

In “First Practice,” by Gary Gildner, the speaker explains how a new coach holds the first sports practice and comes off very tough and intimidating. Furthermore there is evidence that he truly believes in his team because if not, he would not push them as much as he does. He sees they have a lot of potential and wants to make them a great team. The coach says, “if we are to win/ that title I want to see how,” which clearly reflects his attitude toward his team. This theme coincides with the additional works of literature and event because it stresses the importance of completing tasks with the quest of accomplishing it well. Furthermore there is the extra component of obtaining guidance from others to help you succeed.

Richard Hague’s “Directions for Resisting the SAT” explains the importance of putting your own touches on everything you do, and adding originality, to demonstrate your accomplishments. The speaker continuously says to throw out the social norm and set your own precedent: “Make your marks on everything.” Hague’s viewpoint is to take your own goals and aspirations into control and complete things from your own point of view.

In Langston Hughes’s “Thank You M’am” success is achieved through help and guidance from one to another. When the Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse, she thinks not of calling the cops and sending him to jail, but instead takes him into her home and has him wash his face, and sit and eat with her. She tells him about herself and even manages to call him son. She shows him compassion and kindness because she understands that he is not a bad kid, but just had a difficult life and turned to crime unfortunately. There is evidence of Mrs. Jones’s quest to help Roger by placing him on the path to accomplishment and success. She went out of her way and corrected the problem that was placed into her hands, instead of leaving it up to the authorities.

Professor Catherine Savell’s presentation on “Rendezvous: Haiti” also reflects the concept that accomplishment and success can be achieved and more so with the guidance of others. Professor Savell explained that volunteers are sent to Haiti to help underprivileged youth. These 96 youth live in a camp with one another and are virtually the only kin they have. They eat, sleep, and learn together in the hope that they are kept out of the slums and are put on a righteous path. It was interesting to hear from Professor Savell and the impact that we, Loyola students, can contribute to the program. The path of success can be achieved and you, personally, can help other through this transition.

Overall, all three works of literature and Professor Savell’s information session on “Rendezvous: Haiti” all portray the common message of achieving success and accomplishing your goals. Furthermore, the addition of aiding others adds to the objective of doing your best and striving for your ambitions.