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Mo Gentry

Dr. Benson

Hybrid Honors English 12(5)

22 March 2019

Came a Long Way

There are certain moments in every person’s life that define who they are. In the face of

challenges the purpose of the struggle is difficult to see clearly. Lessons learned from theses

struggles provide a lasting impact that can result in life altering decisions. In Ishmael Beah’s A

Long Way Gone his experience as a child soldier prepares him for a lifetime of tribulation to

learn and grow. Comparing the mindset of fixed and growing is vastly different as we as humans

already possess the capabilities to succeed or are continuously learning throughout life.

Beah’s journey begins as a twelve year old child in a indigence stricken country. As the

war begins the two sides utilize children to fight the war. Beah finds a way to survive as he

possesses cassette tape that ultimately saves his life, “He didn’t know what the rap music was, so

I did my best to explain it to him” (Beah 38). Whether by pure luck or a soft spot in the Chief’s

heart for music Beah escaped by using his wits to avoid decapitation. He already possessed this

fixed characteristic, Beah finds a way to use these tools to his benefit. In his journey Beah

manipulates his characteristics to survive the harsh conditions of war.

Along Beah’s voyage to salvation he meets Esther the nurse who helps him survive.

Esther helps him by providing comfort in a time where he had lost hope. A short time passes

before Beah becomes a soldier, fights a couple battles, then earns battle scars for his time. Esther

the nurse confronts Beah about his scars and reveals he has been shot, “At first I was reluctant

that if I told her she would be afraid of me… She listened attentively [with] her eyes glued to my
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face” (Beah 155). Esther does the opposite of Beah’s expected reaction and is not fazed by the

wounds while attempts to comfort him in his time of need. Esther alter Beah’s mindset to

recognize that their are still people who care in the world. This small glimmer of hope provides

enough support to restore Beah’s faith in people and what they can accomplish.

The mindsets of fixed and growing are each unique in their own way. On the fixed side

believing people are equipped with every characteristic and tool to succeed. While the growing

side believes we are constantly learning from every interaction and experience. The two mindsets

each provide a different facet of minds one that is practically predestined and the other that is

always gaining new information. There is no wrong answer to how we learn as each person gains

knowledge differently.

Beah interestingly possesses both mindsets, but at different periods of time.

Controversially they each provide life changing implications when needed. While the fixed

mindset can be empowering as though you already possess the tools to succeed. The growth

mindset can be just as useful as it exemplifies not reaching your greatest potential. Either

mindest provides experience as the most beneficial teacher.