Alexie states in his essay, "We were Indian children that were expected to be stupid." From the text we can infer that the students that surrounded him didn't seem to have much potential. Or perhaps the children refused to accept potential's call. The students that the author grew up with can be compared to modern students that fill the world. Everyone has a certain potential, but in order to reach such a height we must pass the threshold that stands before us. Just like the Indian children from this reflection, our children today are becoming more apathetic to learning or striving to reach success. "Just getting by" has become a popular reasoning in the minds of many and proves to be the easiest way around things, like learning to write creatively, and reading.
The Author found a powerful mindset at a young age. He desired the success and knowledge; he refused to sit back and ignore his bubbling potential. The essay verifies his determination throughout his life by reading at any moment he could. From nights his family went to "powwows" or basketball games to nights when his father brought home any new book, Alexie read. He was absolutely determined not to fail. At one point he states, "As indian children, we were expected to fail in the non- Indian world." This can relate to some children in today's time that come from certain backgrounds and are expected to do much with their lives. In reality, the material is there for us; it is up to us to take advantage of the world around us to attain the success we desire. If students expect nothing of themselves it is easy to just give up. This notion would not stand in Alexie's young and thriving mind. His drive for success should be the premise that students today follow. He portrays an inspiration of persistence in an environment that claimed he was destined for doom by the social norm.
Students today mustn't be bogged down with the influences of the world. Our author's peers obviously did not agree with his views. However, throughout his trying young life, engulfed by low expectations, Alexie never gave up. He sustained his adoration for books, and went on to teach young students from the Indian resevations. This shows us that it is possible to succeed by any means. It is almost troubling to think that children today more resemble the students that Alexie knew rather than Alexie himself. Not many reply to potential's call, however, all are able to hear it.