<p>Ok this may be the first of many I do today. Help is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>The prompt was something like: do the challenges we face make us better or worse, and can people really benefit from hardships</p>
<p>Through tough experiences, people are able to learn much more about themselves. Often times, we emerge from troubles with a new outlook on life, one that helps us truly become better people. As shown by Henrik Ibsen’s AN Enemy of the People and by the US intervention in WWII, obstacles challenge and help us emerge as stronger individuals.</p>
<p>The protagonist, Thomas Stockmann, from An Enemy of the People grows throughout the play as a result of the challenges he faces. When he discovers that the baths, a main source of financial income for his town, are actually posioned, he reveals this to his peers. However, since the baths would have to be shut for almost two years, Thomas soon finds that the whole town is against him. Thomas resfuses to compromise his morals, and continues to fight to shut down the baths. IN the end, although Thomas only has his family by his side, he has truly discovered that financial interest should never be pursued if it puts people in danger.</p>
<p>WWII was a great tragedy which helped the US emerge as the dominant world power. Before the war, America was still struggling with the economic troubles left from the Great Depression. Although FDR’s New Deal helped bring us out of the financial nadir of 1932-1933, we were still far from prosperity. Then, after Pearl Harbor and the US declaration of war on the Axis, everything changed. Unemployment was instantly remedied, eventually dropping to an all-time low of 1.2%. As men served in the army, women were given many of the jobs previously held by men. As the war came to an end, much of Europe was in ruins, and the US was able to rise as a nation. Through the Marshall Plan, we took it upon ourselves to aid newly liberate nations in Europe by dropping supplies and food. Although it was a tremendous obstacle for the US, WWII ultimately made it stronger, giving it the power to help those in need.</p>
<p>As seen in literature and history, hardships can often be blessings in disguise. Thomas Stockmann and US intervention in WWII have shown us that we can truly learn more about ourselves and mature through the challenges we face.</p>
<p>I think my main probably is coming up with good synonyms and wordings of phrases. I felt like I used obstacles/challenges/harships too many times, but it’s my first essay. Thanks again for grading/reading it and harsh/constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Edit: oh ye and what’s the rule about using 1st person? Should it be avoided unless I’m using a personal experience? I wasn’t sure about that.</p>