Independent Reading Activity #3

Intriguing Questions, Topics, Issues:

1. Death
2. How do you respond when you know you are going to die?
3. Can you still maintain a positive outlook on life when you know it's going to end?
4. Relationships


I can only imagine being told that very soon I am going to die, and there was absolutely nothing I could do to prevent it. This is exactly what Morrie was forced to go through. Now, this situation raises an important question, what are you going to do with your life? Are you going to react negatively and be depressed, or, not let it affect you and take over the world. Morrie, being the great man that he was, chose the later of the two.

"I know you think this is just about dying," he said, "but it's like I keep telling you. When you learn how to die, you learn how to live." - pg. 104

It was such passages and quotes like this that were a perfect testimony to the great man that Morrie had become. His approach toward dying was one that was unprecedented and one that many people, sadly, cannot bring themselves to use. I thought this quote from Morrie was an exact answer to how people should approach death, and an easy way to stay positive, even if you know you're going to die.

Valedictorian Speech

Friends, teachers, parents, fellow students, it has been my pleasure to share these last four years with you. It is here in this very school that I have learned the true methods at which to succeed in life. It is my hope that all of us in this graduating class go on to fulfill our dreams and follow the groundwork that has been laid out for us in these times at Wissahickon. High school was not my favorite of times, but, it did teach me and prepare me for the future and I am ready to move on to my next stage of life, as I'm sure all of you sitting here are as well. To be honest I don't appreciate long drawn out speeches or lectures, so I sincerely wish to conclude by saying, thank you to all who have helped me along the way and to wish everyone the best of luck in any future endeavors.

Independent Reading: 4/4

Prompt #3

The author, Mitch Albom, does not waste anytime when introducing the novel. He dives right into the story and really grabs the reader's attention. From the start, it is obvious that Mitch Albom has deep feelings for his teacher, Morrie, and that he had a great impact on him in his life.

In particular, a passage that really moved me came in only the second chapter of the book. This is when Albom is describing his graduation from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was a very emotional moment. As Mitch Albom says goodbye to his favorite teacher, Morrie, he describes the scene: "I didn't want to forget him. Maybe I didn't want him to forget me. He asks if I will stay in touch, and without hesitation I say, 'Of course'. When he steps back, I see that his is crying." (pg. 4)

I found this very emotional and moving because every student and teacher strives for this type of relationship. It is not everyday that a young student can find that strong of a connection with an older, much more experienced teacher. Because of how special such a relationship can be I thought this was important and moving, and an indicator of how the rest of the story will unfold.