Every Decision is A New Path

Life Altering Choices: Reflections Prompted by "The Other Wes Moore" 

The author of “The Other Wes Moore”, in the introductory chapter, reflects on how the two Wes Moore’s' lives began to fork in disparate ways according to their decisions. The repercussions of such decisions, arising from this theme, really touched my heart and molded my character, since my life had depended upon two major decisions-one which was not mine and another which was my own. Both have had a telling effect on my identity and the path my life has taken so far.

The first life-altering decision was my mom deciding to move to the United States. That was a decision that as a child, I had no say in the matter. Yet, this decision primarily rewired my life. Uprooting from familiar surroundings and adjusting to a new country was both challenging and transforming. I never expected to grow through language barriers, cultural differences, and coping with a new education system. At first, it overwhelmed me, and I felt out of place, but as time went by, I looked at this transition as an opportunity and the best that could have happened the me. Living here In the U.S. has opened more educational and life opportunities that I may not have had otherwise in were to stay in my birth country Colombia. In retrospect, I realize that while I never chose this path, my reaction to it changing and trying to adjust has shaped so much of who I am today.

 A second life choice came much later: choosing what to study in college.

Unlike the relocation to the U.S., this was a decision that I had to make for myself, and it felt very weighty. I knew that this decision would impact not just the next few years but possibly the rest of my life. Choosing a major was intimidating because it felt like a commitment to a particular career and lifestyle. I selected medical Imaging that after much contemplation, it suited my interests, and long-term goals and made happy the little girl in me. A lesson learned from this choice is the essence of self-awareness and proper planning. This furthered the notion that while some things in our lives may be left to fate, at other times it falls on our shoulders to shape and get the future we want. Reading the early chapters of “The Other Wes Moore”, I draw similarities between the two Wes Moore’s and my own life.  Both Wes Moore’s grew up in circumstances that heavily influenced their choices.

For example, the author's mother moved him into a private school to provide better opportunities, much like my mom when she decided to move to the U.S. But as the author underlines, it's not just the opportunities we're given that matter, but our responses to those opportunities that define who we are. The other Wes Moore’s story, on the other hand, is a reminder of how easily different circumstances and choices can lead to different outcomes. His environment influenced his life choices, but they also demonstrated the weight of individual decisions. This duality resonates with me because I’ve seen how both external factors and personal choices have played a big role in my life. 

These reflections have deepened my understanding of how decisions shape our lives, big or small. The move to the U.S. wasn't my choice, but it was a turning point that created opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise had. The choice of my college major was fully my responsibility; it taught me a great deal about the importance of deliberate, informed decision-making. Both experiences have shaped not just my circumstances but also my perspective on life.  To finish “The Other Wes Moore” underscores the importance of recognizing the power of our decisions, even when circumstances feel beyond our control. It reminds me that while we can’t always choose where we start, we can shape where we go.