Wes's mother's decision to move to New York City was driven by the death of Wes's father and deteriorating conditions in Maryland. The move provided needed support from her parents, but the Bronx had similar problems to Maryland. While Wes appreciated his mother's efforts for a better education, he struggled between two contrasting environments, contributing to his behavioral issues.

On page 50, Wes's actions reflect his struggle to balance his street identity with his elite education. He exaggerates his school suspension to appear tough and maintain his street credibility among friends who mock his attendance at a predominantly white school. Over time, his values shift as he leaves the Bronx, allowing him to embrace hard work and self-improvement without the pressure of maintaining dual identities, ultimately achieving personal and professional success.

The author suggests that distinguishing between second chances and last chances can be difficult because a second chance may unknowingly be your final opportunity. Success depends on how you utilize these chances. The author experienced this when he almost left military school but stayed and thrived. In contrast, the other Wes Moore's arrest for murder marked his last chance, as he had exhausted all options to change his life.

Tony's violence towards Wes is not excusable, but it is understandable given his genuine concern for Wes's safety. Tony, familiar with the dangers of drug dealing, fears Wes will follow his path. When Wes lies about his income, Tony's frustration leads to a violent outburst. While violence is unacceptable, Tony's actions stem from a desire to protect Wes from the perils he knows too well.

Wes Moore argues that not trying to improve makes us fools because our destinies can hinge on the choices we make. Using his own life contrasted with another Wes Moore's, who became a criminal, he illustrates that despite similar backgrounds, striving for self-improvement and making better choices led him to success. Moore emphasizes that mistakes are not failures but opportunities to choose a better path, and failing to seize these opportunities is foolish.

By going to Valley Forge and receiving the attention, support and structure that he needed, Wes was able to change his perspective on life. Without it, he may have continued down the path of crime and drugs that he had been following for many years. His mother's willingness to make a significant sacrifice in order for Wes to get an education was not only a good investment for Wes but also for herself and her other children.

Wes decides to shoot Ray directly because he is enraged by Ray's brutal beating and wants revenge and respect. Indirectly, Wes's actions are influenced by the dysfunctional culture of violence and the pressure to maintain status in a community plagued by racism and poverty. Alternatives could have included calming down, seeking support to manage his anger, or finding non-violent ways to assert himself or escape the toxic environment, though these options were challenging.

In "The Other Wes Moore", Wes Moore (the author) develops the theme of free will by sharing two men's lives that could have been identical, but ended up being different.

In The Other Wes Moore, Wes made several key decisions to accomplish his goals, including joining the military and focusing on education. Wes is primarily responsible for these accomplishments, although he also received support from mentors and family members who provided guidance and encouragement along the way.