The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Summer Reading Essay “Don’t be discouraged and give up just because it’s hard” (Kamkwamba, Pg. 275). William Kamkwamba, a man from Malawi, had to raise above all problems he encountered in his young life to be the successful man he is today. Several things drive people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Although, William and I have lived two completely different lives we have both experienced, trouble managing time, an extreme life-changing situation, and excruciating physical pain; we were determined to face our problems so we were able to be successful. In Malawi, every ones day ends at seven o’clock because that is when it gets dark and since there is no electricity there is no light to let people continue on with their day. William would have to strategically plan his day out in order to complete all of his tasks. Between helping his father tend to their tobacco fields, assisting his mother cook and help take care of his seven sisters, teaching himself math science and history with books borrowed from the local library, and keeping in-touch with friends and extended family. I encounter the same situation as William, no, my day does not end at seven o’ clock but being able to balance school, three sports, two jobs, friends, family, and staying on top of school work is a very difficult thing to do. In order for Mr. Kamkawamba and me to succeed we find ways to manage all of our priorities. William Kamkwamba experienced an extreme life changing event. An awful famine and drought forced William to drop out of school; his family’s tobacco farm dried up and left them with nothing to sell at the local market making it impossible for their family to make money. He was not able to return to school because his family was unable to afford the tuition fees. Trying to maintain his education, Kamkwamba began to check out books from the local library to teach himself. This year I was forced to drop out of sports for ten months. I was diagnosed with