I just want to be average.

A return to the narrative. I think I like this form of essay better than the others. I really liked this essay. In " I just want to be average" Mike Rose gives great detail and background to help paint the picture of how misfortune ate high school was for kids in his neighborhood . It was easy to connect with the story even though it was something I had never experienced. It seemed to dance through stories and experiences. Enough depth to make it interesting but definitely not bled out. I like the combination of a teacher recognizing something more in an average minded student, and a student realizing an opportunity to succeed.
I got the sense that he wasn't complaining or trying to drive home a point, but rather, a simple story of hard times, survival, lackluster experiences at school that would only lead to a hopeless future, and how a few words of praise, a positive influence, and some engaging work led him to a bright future. Its a great lesson to how with the write combination of positives, great things can come about. Good teaching, challenging work, thought provoking assignments and encouragement can breed improvement.