The Success Story of Chris Gardner From The Pursuit of Happiness
Turning nothing into something and overcoming your struggles is something I admire,
especially when a person goes from being a homeless on the subway to owning a multi-million dollar brokerage firm. That is the success story of Chris Gardner, the person who has greatly influenced my values and a person I look to emulate. I hadn’t known about Chris until I saw The Pursuit of Happyness, a film based on his life story, Chris Gardner is tenacious and has a positive outlook which embodies what I strive to be. Chris is the most influential person in my life because he has shown me how to be tenacious and take full on grasp of opportunities and to have a positive outlook on life as I live it to the fullest.
One thing that I learned from Chris Gardner is to enjoy life to the fullest while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Chris went through many obstacles to be where he is at today and although at times things seemed like they against him he never failed to lose faith and keep pushing forward. At one point in his life he was homeless and tried to make means meet as a salesman selling portable bone density scanners, although unsuccessful, one day he met a manager for Dean Witter where Chris had impressed him and was given a opportunity as a intern stockbroker. I see life in the same way, and college is my opportunity for excellence. As an opportunity I strive to excel in college because down the road I see my success. It is very important for me to use the opportunity of college, as Chris Gardner once said, “Stay in school. It’s what will give you options. You don’t want to try to do this thing the way that I did.” This is the reason why I must do well because college can open up other opportunities to achieve my
dreams.
Chris Gardner is very tenacious and to followed his dreams no matter what. Chris lacked education, resources, and was homeless he achieved his dream at landing an internship at Dean
Witter as a stockbroker through his perseverance. It is Chris’s perseverance that truly inspires
me, when it seems that all hope is lost he had found it. Although he never went to college, was broke, and the other people who were also applying for a internship seemed to be more qualified, Chris never gave up and was determined to achieve his dream. Chris Gardner once said, “Don’t ever let someone tell you you can’t do something. Not even me.” This is a saying I apply to my daily life as I pursue my very own dream of being a mechanical engineer and owning my very own car workshop. Each day I push myself to get closer and closer to that goal as I continue my college career. Although there are people who doubtful of me achieving my dreams, I will never doubt myself just like Chris Gardner never doubted himself.
Everything that Chris Gardner has taught me has had an influential impact in my life and
my views. I have learned to truly value opportunities through Chris Gardner’s life story. He has enriched my life with a positive outlook, and inspired me with his tenacity and devotion to achieving your dreams. In order to achieve my dreams I must first face college and its many obstacles, but I know that if I apply myself I will be able to overcome any challenge. This is why Chris is the most influential person in my life because he has shown to believe in my self while enjoying every second of life.