Blog #1

          In the novel, And Still We Rise, the author Miles Corwin, the narrator focused on one single character, student rather, during each chapter. He consistently gave descriptions of each students' life outside of school and how their experiences affected their academics. The narrator also covered each students' past and current lives to highlight their inner strength and to show how their hardships shaped them as an individual. These young and gifted students encountered extreme difficulties that seemed almost impossible to handle. They worked for long hours so they could buy their necessities while competing for scholarships and spots in numerous colleges with other students who are "more prepared" for college.

          Each student lived in a dangerous environment and poverty was one of the issues they had to face. These twelve students had different situations that they had to conquer as they try to achieve success with the help of their school principal, Mr. Braxton. Knowing each student's struggles made the readers feel more connected to each character being portrayed; Corwin's vivid descriptions conveyed the hardships of the students without focusing on it too much. Throughout the novel, Mr. Braxton is often found discussing important issues about each student that has a great potential. Without his assistance and motivational attitude, these students probably won't be successful today; these students also proved that you can overcome every single struggle life throws at you as long you persevere and prove the people that doubted you wrong.