Introduction Having confidence in yourself versus listening to others can be beneficial in your dreams. Homer Hickam, a 17 year old young man from Coalwood, West Virginia, struggles with his wants and everyone else’s wants. Homer is looking to achieve his personal goals of freedom, determination, and in search of confidence. Homer is looking for a better life outside of Coalwood, with the opportunity of freedom from the mining town. Homer has a hard time keeping his morals in perspective as his father discourages him to work on the rockets, making him even more determined to succeed. At the same Homer is trying to gain the confidence to follow his goals despite his father’s requests.
Choice of Freedom Homer’s opportunity for freedom starts on October 4, 1957, while he sits watching the Sputnik launch into orbit from the television. As he starts his journey, he realizes that his father does not want to hear of his quest. This creates a new challenge for Homer to accomplish freedom.
For example, Homer sets his goal with freedom from Coalwood. It all starts with the statement from Homer’s father, “Can’t dream your way out of Coalwood”. With this statement Homer looks at this as a challenge and starts to design and build his rocket. He starts with risking his own reputation in high school as he sits down next to Quentin. From there it starts as a journey for himself to become something more. Ms. Riley starts to see the interest Homer has with rockets and the potential. She approaches him with the idea of the County Science Fair. A promise if you win you will go onto Nationals in Indianapolis. This is his first small taste of freedom for Homer. AUK 1; first rocket begins production; this is Homer’s attempt to leave Coalwood and be somebody. The next thing Homer realizes is his father does not approve. As they get into an argument, Homer states” I’m never going down there”, referring to the coal mines. With the start of this