Finster 1

Brandon A. Finster

Professor Watkins

English-1113 55L

2 October 2018

The Guidance From Those Who Shape Me.

Without the ability to develop, I’m at best never being able to move forward and at worst

perpetually sliding down a slope. Since I do not want to be trapped in such a position, I will

always appreciate the people in my life who are willing to help me keep moving. For me to keep

progressing, I’ll have to take advantage of the opportunities given to me. I need the support from

those who are always there for me to find out what I can truly accomplish.

Because I desire to have a clearer and broader point of view, I need my friend O’Neil to

challenge my beliefs and help me develop additional ideas. I tend to be more critical of newer

concepts, and he is usually the opposite. Because our perspectives contrast with one another, we

can challenge what the other deems to be true. If I have an idea that stands up to his scrutiny it

gives me the confidence to reinforce or expand on that specific idea. With a broader spectrum of

ideas at my disposal and sturdier augments to support them, I have more options when dealing

with the challenges that arise in front of me.

Sometimes I don’t want to challenge my views, and I instead want a gentler hand. My

mother Ruth inspires me to look the on the brighter side, even if I am having a less than a perfect

day. She also teaches me to have a level head and not get carried away with the more tedious

parts of life. Since I am more relaxed because of her assistance, I able to be more flexible and
 Finster 2

focus even during more difficult circumstances. I can enjoy each day more and appreciate the

smaller aspects of life, because she helps me have a calmer demeaner.

Occasionally, I might need a firmer hand to push me in the right direction, since a softer

perspective may not always be enough to motivate me. My boss Rosco, is willing to lay out

exactly what I did incorrectly and push me further than I thought capable. I need someone to

point out the glaring errors in how I orient myself. Rosco is over seventy years old, so he has

experience of life in ways most people haven’t. I’m able to to learn from him to help reevaluate

my own perspective. Since he was raised in less than lenient circumstances compared to me, he

had developed a different attitude that can be beneficial.

For me to recognize what is truly achievable, I need guidance of those closest to me who

are willing to assist me. Whether it’s O’Neill questioning what I already deem to be true or the

direction from those with more experience than me, like my mother and my boss, it is important

for me to take in their view points. I will always appreciate the ability to obtain knowledge when

navigating my life, because they keep me from stagnating and gain traction for me to keep

moving forward. I’m grateful for the people who guided me throughout my life.