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The Pursuit of Happyness Questions

“You want something. You go get it. Period.”


Chris Gardner

1. What are some of the challenges Chris Gardner faced when trying to sell his bone
density scanners?
Chris Gardner has to face many challenges and some of the challenges he
had to face when he was selling his bone density scanner were that the
x-rays were too grainy, out of date, the cost was too expensive, and no one
wanted them.

2. Chris faced many challenges during the movie, yet he still achieved many of his goals.
Describe a minimum of three decisions he made or behaviors / personality traits that he
demonstrated that helped him reach his goals. Use specific examples from the movie to
support the decisions.

The first decision he made, which I feel is one of the reasons he works hard, was
to choose his child to be by his side at all times, even when things were bad.
When his wife chose to move to New York to work at a restaurant owned by her
sister's boyfriend, he refused to allow her take their son away. He didn't want his
youngster to know what it was like to grow up without a parent. So, despite having
insufficient funds and several bills to pay, he chose to be with his kid and despite
having difficulty finding a place to live. He applied for a job at a firm that required
a 6-month internship before offering a permanent position as an employee or
worker, showing that he didn't give up hope every day and was still seeking for
someone to acquire his scanner. Because there were many applicants, they only
chose one, and as a result, he was initially reluctant to continue and work even
harder. However, in the end, he decided to stay, to remain calm and composed,
and to accept the fact that there is no quick way to achieve a good life; instead,
you must put your best effort into pursuing it.

As the film progresses, the renter knocks on their door and informs him that he
must pay their rentals for the next almost three months or they would be forced to
leave and find another place to live. His attitude remained constant, and he
handled the issue calmly. There are several situations where he gets charged to all
of his bills up to the point of depositing his money in a bank (he did not pay taxes)
and being charged $600, with the remaining amount being $34. At the time, he lost
control and became enraged because it was the only money he had gathered after
months of selling scanners.After he went to one of his pals who owed him $14, he
stated it was paid off by helping him relocate his belongings when they were
ejected off the bus. He couldn't stand it any longer and kicked the garbage can
onto the street, and he and his kid spent the night in the train station's bathroom
room. Despite the fact that the youngster does not have his or her own house, he
or she understands and does not protest. He stuck at his father's side, becoming
Chris Gardner's motivation to work hard, his strength, and his source of
happiness. When he was at a phase of his life known as "internship," he had a
boss who always commanded him to buy him meals, fetch him coffee, and do
other things. It's almost as if he was the one who was constantly summoned when
he needed anything. Chris didn't complain despite having a hectic day as an
intern, as they were expected to phone certain clients, lunch with them if possible,
and meet with them. Chris, being a hardworking individual, did not have time to
drink water, potty, eat, or take a break like others, and as a result, the number of
individuals he needed to speak with within a day was met. Thus, I can argue that
how he managed the many attitudes or personalities around him contributes to,
and improves, what he has accomplished in the end. He is modest and
down-to-earth, a diligent worker and a devoted father to his child, and a low-key
yet tactful and motivated individual.

3. What were three financial decisions that Chris made during The Pursuit of Happyness
and describe the consequences that resulted.

Decision Consequence
Chris Gardner's initial option was to invest He didn't consider anything like people's
his money in selling bone density preferences so that the money he spent
scanners as his work. on bone density scanners wasn't a waste.
However, he, as a salesperson, as a result,
the target audience or buyer has no
interest at all because it is pricey and
worthless for them. Even if he sold it, the
proceeds would be insufficient to pay off
their obligations.

When he didn't think about paying his His automobile was pulled over by the
parking tickets authorities, leaving him without a vehicle
or service for work or bringing his kid to
school. It also means that he has greater
bills to pay and that his liabilities surpass
his assets. One example is when one of
his supervisors in a firm ordered him to
park the car in the parking lot, but he
refused since he had a customer to speak
with, Mr. Walter Ribbon for the pension
funds, and he ended up paying for the
damages.

He had to pay after failing to pay his taxes The authorities eventually obtained $600
for several months. from his bank account, leaving him with a
balance of $34. His life was becoming
increasingly bleak.

4. During the interview at Dean Witter, Martin Froh asked Chris “What would you say if a
guy walked in for an interview without a shirt on and I hired him! What would you say?”
What was Chris’s response?

“He must have had on some really nice pants.”After he stated this, everyone in the room
burst out laughing, and Chris aced the interview, earning him a slot for an internship.

5. If you were in Chris’s position would you have attended the interview covered in paint?
Why or why not? What did this show about Chris’s drive?
If I were in Chris' position, I would have gone to the interview even if I was covered in
paint and had no proper uniform since changing my clothing and taking a wash would
take a long time and I would be late for my interview. One element to consider in an
interview is that we must be on time, and with Chris's numerous hardships and events in
his life, I believe the interviewer would be tolerant of him. Also, whether it is a
bad/negative or a good/positive influence on the interviewer and other individuals in the
firm, Chris demonstrates persistence and his clever side. Even though he arrived
unprepared physically, his wisdom and words of wisdom prepared him psychologically.

6. Chris’s resume highlights that he was first in his senior class. In general, what items
should be included on a resume and what should you highlight?
7. At the end of the film we learn that Chris became a multimillion and successful
stockbroker. In your opinion what made Chris the happiest?

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