CAMRON EPPESChanging Your LifeOctober 29, 2012

Zebra’s Adversity

Zebra had a messed up arm. He was hit by a car and he was thrown several feet in the air. The fact that Zebra got hit by a car it stopped him from running. Before the accident, he loved to run (Potok, p. 186).

Zebra’s Perseverance

Zebra became close to John Wilson because they both experienced injuries. They became closer because they both had a love for art. The friendship and love of art helped Zebra overcome his pain (Potok, p. 186, 187).

Judge Mathis’ Adversity

Judge Greg Mathis was a criminal in his teen years. He was in and out of jail. He was a former gang member along with his dad (http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/judge_greg_mathis/index.shtml).

Judge Mathis’ Perseverance

Judge Greg Mathis’ mother told him she had one year to live. She wanted him to turn his life around. He decided to change his life by getting his college degree. He became a lawyer and judge to help other people (http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/judge_greg_mathis/index.shtml).

Ernie’s Adversity

Ernie was never put in school. His mother taught him at home, but he learned very slowly. He was not able to go outside because his mom did not want him to see the world. After his mother died, he was placed in a group home (Rylant, p. 367, 368).

Ernie’s Perseverance

Ernie gives flowers to Dolores. These flowers represent love for his mother and Dolores. The flowers show Dolores that someone cares for her (Rylant, 368).

Camron’s Reflections

Zebra changed his life with the help of John Wilson and love of art they both had.

I feel that Judge Mathis overcame his adversity when he decided to change his life for his mother.

Ernie wanted another female’s love after the death of his mother. He gave Dolores flowers as a symbol of love.

References

Judge Greg Mathis – Biography http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/judge_greg_mathis/index.shtml

Picture of ball and chain - http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/prisoner.html

Picture of bus - http://upstarthr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hit-by-bus.jpg

Picture of death of a mother - http://dr-is-in.com/2009/07/23/complicated-grief/

Picture of flowers - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ldoritan/3151402574/

Picture of Judge Mathis - http://www.michigansclc.org/Events.html

Picture of Zebra Cover - http://www.swap.com/books/author/chaim-potok/86168/

Potok, C. Zebra. Rylant, C. A Crush.