Chapter 6: Hunted

      ·         “Not surprisingly, without a high-school diploma or job training – and with a criminal record – Wes found it almost impossible to find a job to support his growing family.” (Page 110)

This passage shows the importance of education because it implies that if Wes had received a high school education, he would have had an easier time finding a job to support his family.

      ·         “Three years ago I’d been one of the insubordinate kids first entering the gates of Valley Forge.  In an ironic turn, I was now one of the ones in charge of them.” (Page 115)

This quote shows the importance of education because it explains that Wes changed into both a role model and academic leader when he went to Valley Forge military school.

      ·         “I was making a name on the court, and colleges were taking notice, writing to me fairly frequently.  These two letters, from Lafayette College and Georgetown, were just the most recent.” (Page 115)

This quote demonstrates how important school was for Wes because it allowed him to play basketball at a competitive level, which looked impressive to recruiting colleges.

      ·         “This uniform had become a force field that kept the craziness of the world outside from getting too close to me, but I wondered if it was just an illusion.” (Page 118)

Although this quote questions the legitimacy of Wes’ safety at school, it still demonstrates that school provided a comforting and safe environment for him.

      ·         “The irony of the situation forced me to smile, featuring my newly cracked tooth.  Years earlier, I had run through these same woods with all of my might, looking for safety, trying to get away from campus.  Tonight, I ran through the same woods looking for safety, but in the other direction.” (Page 122)

This quote illustrates the importance of education because it shows how Wes had come to realize that school was a safe haven from danger, instead of an unlikable obligation.