Herewith is my paper on Movie Synopsis, Analysis and my life story. I hope this can still catch up.
Many Thanks,
Leader Genevieve
REGIS CEBU Leadership Movie Synopsis, Analysis of JCampbell monomyth and My Life Story
By Leader Genevieve Ramos
"Gifted Hands" the Ben Carson Story
"Gifted hands" is one of my favorite movie, I feel in love with this story the first time I watch this, and I always share it with my kids….
Synopsis –
Ben Carson becomes a world-class pediatric neurosurgeon at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Growing up in poverty-stricken Detroit with his mother and elder brother, Curtis, Ben could have never dreamed of the future that lay ahead for him. When 9-year-old Ben's father abandons his family, his heart is broken with the hurt lasting a lifetime.
Ben's mother, Sonya, is the driving force in her sons' young lives. Sonya was born in rural Tennessee and had 23 siblings. To escape her harsh existence, Sonya married at 13. Despite her third-grade education, Sonya was an intelligent woman who knew that education was paramount for her sons to escape the ghetto and have successful lives. Though working three jobs at a time, Sonya is a taskmaster. The boys are allowed to watch only two hours of TV a week and have to read two books each week, providing Sonya with book reports. The boys are not thrilled with the set-up but love and respect to their mother made them comply with her rules.
Moral of the Story
The story gave me a lot of lessons. I considered Sonya as my first hero. Her determination to succeed is very strong because despite her lack of financial resources and education she was able to pursue her dreams of making her kids succeed in life. I saw how Sonya's sacrificed, persevered and fought so hard to achieve her goals; she works simultaneously for three jobs in order to support her family specially the education of her kids. I admired her for such a mother who shows and acts tough love to her kids, as a result, her kids is disciplined individuals.
My second hero is Ben; His success of being an MD did not spare him from the difficulties and challenges of pursuing dreams. He fought it with strong determination and perseverance that led him to successfully hurdle all that comes his way, he didn't stop in pursuing his dreams and aspirations like her mother did. Further, what I admired of him was his love for reading, and early discovery of his interest, which I believed, has greatly influenced his success. This was also made possible when he discovered early on his interests, strengths and skills that allowed him to to become excellent and pursued his goals seamlessly.
1. The Hero was introduced in the ordinary world
Sonya was born in rural Tennessee and had 23 siblings. To escape her harsh existence, Sonya married at 13. Despite her third-grade education, Sonya was an intelligent woman who knew and believed that education was the only way for her sons to escape the ghetto and achieve success in life. Though working three jobs at simultaneously then, Sonya was a taskmaster. The boys are allowed to watch only two hours of TV a week and have to read two books each week with the corresponding book reports of which should be submitted to Sonya. The boys are not thrilled with the set-up but the love and respect for their mother who on the other hand was willing to take whatever it takes just to give the best to her son's made things possible.
2. The call to adventure
Sonya was pressed an early marriage cause of so many siblings in the family. But when 9-year-old Ben's father abandons his family, his heart was broken. Ben loves his father very much and he was upset of what had happen. Ben recalls how he and his relationship with his father and prayed to God that he will come back again and be together. But later they knew that Ben father was involved with other women and drugs. He then realized that his brother and mother is better and much happier without his father. Sonya then was left alone trying to give her best to her kids believing that through good education they could achieve success. In-spite of what happen.
The adventure begin when the dad left them, though that incident made them sad, but this is the start of the journey when they realized then that their better and happy together, Ben, Curtis and her mother even in the absent of their father.
Archetype: Ben and his brother – Sonya's inspiration
3. Refusal of the call
When the dad left it was a challenge for them to choose whether they will gets affected forever because of this incident or continue to pursue their dream even without their father.
4. Meeting the Mentor
There were many temptations and challenges for Ben and Curtis that could have led them astray. Ben falls under peer pressures and demands "cool" clothes to fit in with the other kids. He develops an attitude for a short period and his grades begin to suffer, but Sonya does not give up on him or on her goals for her sons. She continues to focus on what is important and keeps driving home the values of education and success as a priority. Throughout their formative years, Sonya tells her boys they can be whatever they want and that reading will help them realize their dreams. She never once gave up on them. Sonya inspired Ben's strong Christian belief which he maintain his whole life. So many times when Ben is up against impossible odds, he prays to God and always finds his way through them.
Archetype: Strong Christian Belief, God – mentor
Archetype: Sonya – Ben's inspiration
5. Crossing the threshold
Ben begins to believe in himself and works hard at becoming one of the best kids in class in junior and senior high school. Although he faces racial prejudice and ridicule from some classmates and even some teachers, Ben perseveres always hearing his mother's words in the back of his head. Due to his outstanding academic achievements and his high SAT scores Ben is sought out by the best schools in the country. Ben finally settles on the prestigious Yale University where he receives a full academic scholarship. Very early own Ben knows that he will be a doctor—there is never a doubt about his career from that point on. Ben works toward his goal in every class he takes and places very high in his graduating class at Yale.
Archetype: Outstanding academic achievements – Ben's 1st success
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
In 8th grade, Ben endures another humiliating experience. He is the victim of "capping." Capping in the 8th grade is when one kid makes the most sarcastic remark possible about the other kid's clothes—always within earshot of the victim. Usually these brave souls waited until they had a group so they could gang up on the kid. Ben learns how to give it right back and comes to be respected and accepted. Ben had never given much thought to his clothes before, but now in the 8th grade, with the ribbing he was taking over his clothes, he finally pressures his mother to get him some trendy clothes. Now that he is capping back and dressing cool, he becomes part of the in-crowd. He is invited to all the parties and hang-outs with...
Archetype; Ben's classmate - influencers
7. Approach
Very early own Ben knows that he will be a doctor—there is never a doubt about his career from that point on. Ben works toward his goal in every class he takes and places very high in his graduating class at Yale.
8. The new life
While at Yale, Ben meets Candy who is a few years behind him. She is smart, a talented musician and from Ben's home state. Their initial friendship grows into a romance. Candy eventually becomes Ben's wife. Ben continues on to medical school, selecting Michigan State, which has a great medical school, affordable and close to home.
9. Reward, Seizing the sword
During his time in medical school, Ben becomes an outstanding student and is the one that always knows the answers. The interns and residents start to rely on Ben to help them carry out their duties.
10.The road back
Although Ben's first vision was to become a missionary doctor or a psychiatrist, he starts to become interested in neurosurgery. Ben hears some news that may jeopardize the neurosurgery department at the University of Michigan and applies at Johns Hopkins for the remainder of medical school
11.Resurrection
Ben Carson becomes a world-class pediatric neurosurgeon at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.
12.Return with Elixir
Being accepted at this world-class teaching hospital was a turning point in Ben's medical career. Ben goes on to a stellar career as the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, leading surgical teams in difficult and controversial surgeries including separating conjoined twins sharing parts of their skulls. Ben Carson has become an inspiration to all races and to young and old alike.
REFLECTION
What is the significance of the movie "Gifted Hands" the Ben Carson Story into my life
I couldn't forget the time I was watching this movie, I was having mixed feelings and emotions. I was crying and at the same time I was amazed by how Ben's Mother raised them despite of the many challenges she was facing. Introspectively, I realized that I am so lucky enough now that I have somehow lived better than Sonya's life. Hence, there is no reason for me to complain and not to do what he successfully did to her children. Being a mother of 4, I can totally relate with Sonya's life, I remembered during one of my meeting with the kids that I was sharing the story to them and I told them the same message Sonya gave to her children and I quote "take time to read books two books a week and tell me the story after". As I am writing this reflection, I have realized that the only difference between how Sonya influenced her kids is that I was not persistent and didn't get to follow up my kids on the agreement and its results due to perhaps lack of focus and determination.
I firmly believe on the value of reading, as for me this was the greatest frustration I had in my life. I was not able to develop the habit of reading because of my "in born" eye problem. If I will be given a second chance to live again this is the one thing that I have to do in my childhood - The Love for reading. This is what struck me most on this movie, despite Sonya's lack of education she was able to develop and encourage Ben and his brother the interests and love for reading.
I. The hero was introduced in the ordinary world
It was in the year 1975, when the youngest of seven siblings was born in the simple and humble family back in Samar. Being the youngest of the family she was a bit pampered and excessively loved by her parents and her siblings. Back in school she was also one of the favorite students specially of the Math teacher. She was chosen as one of the representatives to compete in her school for the Math quiz bowl region wide competition. Although she did not win as the champion, but her experience was able to contribute her whole performance in school not only academically but socially. She gained so many friends and the more her parents and aunts appreciated her. Back then her life was so great. She felt the love and the extra care from her friends. She had so much fun and enjoyed every minute of it. She is Genervieve Ramos, a hero and a leader in this ordinary world.
II. The call for adventure
It was during my high school that I discovered that I had eye problem. I noticed that I could no longer read what is written in the black board, I could only transfer in front seat to copy the assignments of the day. It was very difficult for me then, my grades started to get low due to my eyesight problem, I couldn't catch up, understand the teacher and I get frustrated about it. When I was finally given eyeglasses, my classmates would tease me because my eyeglasses are so thick, because my grade then, was as high as -950, I was almost considered blind then but insisted that I was fine. While at home my mom would discouraged me to read books because it will worsen my eye problem, and this is the greatest source of my frustration until now. I struggled so much because as much as I wanted to learn through reading, I had a hard time doing it because of my current eye problem. I started to loose my confidence and self-esteem because of this predicament. This is the first reason why I love the movie "Gifted Hands", because I believed that love for reading will never let you go wrong, like Ben Carson, his love for reading gave him to discover his passion, and he eventually became successful despite the odd.
III. Refusal of the call
As much as I wanted to read books, I was forced to stop because I am afraid to become blind. My predicament did not stop me with my eagerness to study and learn new things. Although difficult but still, I was able to land at the top 10 among our class. A feat that was good for many but was far behind from what I aimed for.
It was at this moment that I realized the huge impact of that small problem I had before. I was not able to develop the habit of reading. It was now that I realized how my confidence was affected by not having words to say because of lack of language efficiency. I have the tendency to be, if not many times, always out of context when responding and communicating due to perhaps the of lack of words and vocabulary. My communication is worst since I am short of words and ideas. It usually on averaged took me hours to composed and write down my thoughts. My daughter always corrects my grammar every time she heard me talking. It is painful though at first, but I started to accept it as it is part of my imperfection.
V. Meeting the mentor
Life must go on, since I could not go back to my childhood. I have to move on. To compensate, I looked for the things I am good at and I capitalized on my core strengths in building relationship with my clients and team, I was being passionate about the work that I do and passionate to serve my client, I was able to use my being logical and good in analysis, in showing and giving technical advice to my team and most of all to my clients, where I am able to assess problems and I was excellent in looking for resources especially during those moments when we stumble on investing something that did not work these are the few things that I am good at that I was able to capitalize in my work and in my world now.
I am forever grateful to those persons who have influenced me to discover my strength instead of focusing on my weakness, I am forever be grateful for those trainings and seminars that I attended that able me to develop skills that I needed to do for my job, I am forever grateful to my husband who influenced me to become who I am today and made me stronger to face whatever trials that comes our way, and I will forever be grateful to the giver of wisdom, the almighty father for being there all the time and the source of all this wisdom.
VI. Test, allies and enemies
As I journey through this life, the road was never smooth, we had a lot of tumbling blocks, there was a lot of barricades along the way, but the most important lessons is that how we are able to bounce back and pick up the pieces again.
Looking at the life of Sonya, she has many reasons not to be able to succeed but she chooses the best fight, she was able to conquer her past in pursuing to become successful and she made it.
Like me, I must be able to know myself well and deep enough to be able to face and accept my weaknesses and continue my journey in pursuing my path, I should be able to pick up the right choice and the right path in order for me to reach the right destination God had chosen for me. I should be able to shift perceptions especially on many difficult situations I will be facing.
VII. Approach
In order for me to rise up again and build my self esteem and skills, I have to finish my MBA degree. I have never regretted to go back to school since when I started and up to now, despite the many reasons for me to not pursue this course such as family priorities (missing school activities and mentoring of kids), office workload, and personal priorities, I managed to keep walking on this path because I believed that in the end I would triumph and serve more people excellently. Being on my eight subjects already, I have learned so much from this course that would have not been made possible had I not fiercely and optimistically acted on this interest, looking back. It isn't easy like a walk in the park because there are other priorities in life that must be held.
VIII. The new life
Life now is very different compared back then when I was faced with different types of problems, when I was feeling isolated, when all negative thoughts haunting on me. Faith has placed me in constant communication with God, that allowed me to cope up greatly from moments of difficulties and darkness. Trusting God is the best thing that ever happened in my life, likewise with choosing the right thoughts to feed my brain as my (being positive) husband constantly reminded me to shifts when in sad or negative moments. These are the reasons why I am motivated to move up again. I am back determined to continue my purpose of living in this world. I am very confident that in God's time I will be able to see myself succeed in this battle.
IX. Reward seizing the sword
If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.
In 2011, we are given the opportunity to organize a conference with the theme "1st Inheritance Conference" with the target of inviting all Families in Business and Families of wealth, it was a successful and well attended seminar. Right after the conference, we were able to create a service model, anchored on the needs expressed by the seminar attendees, to serve families in business and the families of wealth, of which many of families who attended in that seminar availed of our service. This was a blessing from God and the rewards he promised. We did not plan for it but it did come.
We are able to organize and develop more service model, put family driven content and lo and behold, we successfully pulled off the business and now servicing clients nationwide.
X. The road back
I know this is not the moment of triumph for us but, I believe that God showed us the way and use us to become an instrument to serve other people, to serve families in Business that they will able to prosper and become a good steward of their wealth in order to create more opportunity and create more jobs to the people.
I believe that God choses this path not only for us, but to a lot of Family Businesses out there who needs our help, who needs to strengthen their businesses so that they will be able to build their foundation, which would eventually build a legacy perpetuated from one generation to many generations thorough family unity and multi-generational perspectives
XI. Resurrection
In Gods perfect time, He will show us his greatness and lead us his path. Continuously we seek for his guidance. We are back and this time we are committed to succeed. I know that there is so much of work to be done yet, but as long as we commit to follow his will we will never go wrong.
XII. Return with Elixir
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed"- Proverbs 16:3
I was in awe of how God has showered his blessings upon us, after all the failures that we have been through. First, I am forever grateful for the experience of failing cause without failure, we will not able to appreciate his blessings that he has been showering upon us. Second, I am so grateful for giving us the opportunity to serve our clients while we are serving ours too. Third, I am so much delighted with the blessing of shelter that He gave us, its more than we ask for, and lastly for blessing us with the love in the family that after all those moments of failures we remain steadfast of his love and we conquer all the difficulties that come our way.
