LTED Blog

  Going back to my original blog post “Are we really only products of our environments” I still believe our surroundings and expectations both have a significant impact on how we live and experience the world today but also want to add it is what we make it out to be. In "The Other Wes Moore," the author dives deeply into the lives of two people with the same name who end up on quite different paths. While one becomes a scholar, distinguished veteran, and wealthy businessman, the other becomes enmeshed in the criminal justice system and is sentenced to life in prison for murder. Their dramatically different paths lead us to consider the significance of the environment in creating our lives.      Our environment encompasses our upbringing, culture, social interactions, and physical surroundings. These factors have the power to change our perspectives, attitudes, actions, and opportunities in life. Growing up in a supportive and loving environment, for example, can fos...

What music played a special role in the other Wes Moore’s life? What role does music play in your life?      Wes Moore has had an emotional place in his heart for music since he was very young. Growing up in Baltimore, he found consolation and inspiration in hip-hop rhythms and deep R&B lyrics. These genres resonated with his lived experiences, expressing his community's hardships, desires, and aspirations. In the story, we observe how music influences Wes' identity and perspective. It allows him to express himself culturally while also linking him to his roots and history. Music gives him a feeling of belonging and community, allowing him to form ties with others who share his love of rhythm and rhyme. Music is both a source of tension and desire for Wes. As he struggles with the streets and the pressure to adhere to society ideals, he finds himself caught between two worlds: music and crime. Finally, it is his love of music that gives him the fortitude and persevera...

Page 44: Basketball quickly becomes a getaway for Wes and his friends. What activities do you enjoy doing while trying to cope with difficult situations?      In the other wes moore Wes and his friends use basketball quickly and it becomes a getaway for them. When reading this I thought about all the activities I have enjoyed while trying to cope with difficult situations. I was blessed with one of my best furry friends a little over a year ago and now love going on long walks. There's something amazing about walking outside into the fresh air with my favorite companion. Watching my dog joyously explore the world around us encourages me to live in the present now and discover beauty in the smallest details.      Music and podcasted have always provided comfort for me. Music has a marvelous ability to create emotions and bring comfort, whether it's calming melodies to relax the mind or uplifting tracks to elevate the spirits. I've recently started listening...

Are we products of the environment or of our expectations? Our surroundings and expectations both have a significant impact on how we live and experience the world today. Our environment encompasses our upbringing, culture, social interactions, and physical surroundings. These factors have the power to change our perspectives, attitudes, actions, and opportunities in life. Growing up in a supportive and loving environment, for example, can foster feelings of security and confidence, whereas growing up in a stressful or negative environment might lead to feelings of doubt or harshness. Our beliefs, experiences, and ambitions impact our expectations, yet they may still influence our perceptions and behaviors. Our standards can influence how we interpret events, what goals we set for ourselves, and how we evaluate our own success or failure. For example, if we believe we can achieve certain goals, we are more likely to pursue them with fervor and determination. Your environment may have a...