"The Ouliers"

This week, I was fortunate enough to have a rather good reading period in AP Lang. We were assigned to read a chapter from " The Outliers", a novel that encompasses the road to success. Malcolm Gladwell's novel offers several clear arguments. In the chapter we read ( The 10,000 Hour Rule), the author argues against the following theory: 10,000 hours of practice is what it takes to master something.
While Gladwell recognizes that it takes a considerable amount of time to master something, other factors must be taken into account.

Success is entailed by part innate talent and acquired opportunities. Gladwell brings about these major points by using several examples from non famous , yet successful individuals such as Bill Joy to famous individuals such as Bill Gates. In each of their stories ( and the stories of other successful people), the author uncovers their road to success which all take a similar path. They are given extraordinary opportunities that are basically part of their luck. Bill Joy was very smart but he was not into programming until he visited a specific college. This college had new technology. The technology was available to him at certain times. His practice with the technology lead to success. Also, the technology was very new and not really prevalent in a lot of other places. Because of his innate talent and lucky opportunities, Bill Joy became successful.  These track of events are explained in greater detail in the novel with the use of several other examples.

Overall, I agree with the authors basic premise on how people achieve success. It is part natural/genetic intellectual capability but the other half is the lucky oppurtuntities people encounter through life. In order to be an oulier, defined by Gladwell as those that have luck lined up for their success and benefit, one must really be lucky to achieve great success.

Side Note- Although I read a chapter out of the entire book , the rest of the novel seems like an interesting read. The authors tone engaged me to actually read through his argument. His rhetorical devices also thoroughly persuaded me. He uses data, facts, examples, and other strategies to win over the reader. One of the biggest things Gladwell does is inform the reader without tieing in everything together then allows the reader to deductively come to the same conclusion the author argues. I plan to read this book over summer as it recieves great reviews and grabbed my undivided attention.

Spring Break

Finally, my well deserved spring break occurred last week. Unlike the majority of people, I did not have any big plans. I did not travel to the beach. I didn't go out of the country like some people do. I did not even go any nearby states. So what did I do? 

I took the opportunity of an entire week off of school to enjoy myself. I arranged with friends to go to Six Flags, a tradition I have had with them for the last 6 years. Although it might not sound like much, Six Flags was very fun. This year was the first year in which we did not have to worry about transportation. My friend and I each drove our cars with a few friends in each. That just started the day off great because of the freedom and responsibility that comes with driving friends all the way to Six Flags. Second, we each bought season passes so I am looking forward to several more trips to Six Flags in summer with my friends. The rides there might get old, but they always offer a fun and thrill-full.

Over spring break this year I hung out with friends. We went mini golfing and go carting at Andrettis. We also spent time and hung out at different friends' houses playing video games and watching movies. 

With all my other time, I caught up on my sleep and studies. It felt good sleeping when ever I wanted to that week. I also felt successful by studying for various subjects that I needed to catch up on. 

While this was definitely not an awesome spring break, I still enjoyed the time off from a stress full school life. Now it is the race to summer break- I can't wait!