Wes Moore, the author, analyzes his experience in two very different schools that he attended after his family moved to New York. For a couple of years, Wes found it difficult to share his mother’s esteem for education because he was more concerned with his social relationships. His mother was determined that he should attend private school and receive a high-quality education. Wes had to learn for himself how to value education, and eventually settled in to becoming an excellent student

The first school he attended in New York was the Riverdale Country School. Although located in the Bronx, which is one of New York City’s poorest boroughs, Riverdale was in a well-to-do enclave. Wes made friends with another African American student, Justin, because he lived nearby and they were among the very few Black students within a predominantly white student body. Furthermore, they were from relatively low-income families compared to the others’ affluent circumstances. The academic standards of the school were very high, and Wes had trouble getting his work done. He also behaved aggressively during sports and was suspended for fighting. Before long, he was not only underperforming but cutting class.

His difficulties caused his mother concern, and—after warning him of her intentions if he did not buckle down—she decided to send him to military school. Part of her intention was for him to live in a different environment, away from negative influences in their neighborhood. Wes ended up completing high school at the Valley Forge Academy in Pennsylvania. He was initially stunned by the strict regimen, including waking up at dawn and participating in mandatory military-style drills. After several unsuccessful attempts to run away, he began to adjust. One important component was being placed in a company with a Black cadet captain, who became an inspiring role model for Wes.