Chapter 6: Hunted

Theme 1: Lack of education can create many missed opportunities.

Quote 1: “ Not surprisingly, without a high school diploma or job training, and with a criminal record, Wes found it almost impossible to find a job to support his growing family.”

This quote shows how the lack of education in the other Wes’s life impacted his future. He is having lots of trouble finding work because of his lack of education. With a high school diploma it is easier to get hired into the work force. Wes not finishing high school, closed many doors as he tried looking for jobs to support his family. This shows the many opportunities that can be missed without the proper education.

Quote 2: “ Getting arrested was starting to feel like a routine.”

In this passage we see the effects of Wes not staying in school. In order to make money, Wes has to sell drugs because he cannot find any other jobs. The jobs he can’t get require a high school diploma. Wes is forced to sell drugs because it’s the only thing that doesn’t require years of being in school for. By not receiving a good education, many people don’t have a way of getting good, high paying jobs. This shows how many opportunities are ruined when people don’t receive a high school diploma or a good education.

Theme 2: A family environment can make someone feel secure.

Quote 3: "They would work together, fight together, stay together. An unbreakable bond united the crew. For many members it was the only support system they had. It was family."

In the quote, Wes is talking about his drug corporation. The way his “crew” protected him made him feel secure and important. This was the closest thing Wes had to a real family. Although he felt safe in this environment, it leads him to dangerous shootouts and run ins with the police. Wes not only felt secure but he also felt needed which was a new and addictive feeling for him. Since Wes never felt secure in his family life, school, and on the streets, this drug corporation was where he felt the safest. A family environment can make someone forget about whatever negative situation he or she is in at the moment. This shows how a family environment can make some feel safe and needed.

Theme 3: Role models can positively impact a child’s life.

Quote 4: “ They made it clear that they cared if I succeeded, and eventually so did I.”

In this quote Wes is explaining the close bond between his role model, Cadet Captain Hill. Role models, like Hill, show support and are there when someone needs guidance. Wes needed an important figure in his life to look up to since he didn’t have a strong male figure to look up to in the past. Role models set good examples and make the person they are helping create goals for themselves. Wes started caring as soon as he had someone believe in him. Positive encourage and support can help a child excel.

Theme 4: Overcoming obstacles are difficult but can be done.

Quote 5: “ But I had to let this one go. I had to look at the bigger picture.”

This excerpt shows how much Wes an improved over the years. Even though he was a troubled child and made bad decisions growing up, he overcame those obstacles and is now acting responsible. When Wes was called a racial slur he knew that he should not fight back like he would have done in the past. Wes overcame living in poverty, living with out a father, and getting into trouble. Obstacles can be dealt with if your mindset is in the right place. This shows how overcoming hardships can be possible if your mind is put to it.