The story telling that eclipses the “pursuit of happyness” revolves around survival,
determination, and never giving up on your dreams. The constant scene of Chris Gardner
running through the streets of Manhattan for various reasons struck a certain part of my mind
when watching the film. Ironically enough, I myself felt like Chris Gardner for the majority of the
year. Always running, constantly trying to reach a metaphorical destination, whether it be to get
an assignment done, navigate the social waters of high school, or simply keep my head above
water during the strange and confusing times of COVID. I found myself looking to pursue my
own form of “happyness” throughout the year, trying to reach goals I set for myself in my first
ever AP class. That’s where I felt the real connection was made with my own experiences and
those portrayed in the movie. The feeling of not only attempting to survive, but thrive in an
uncharted territory named AP english was all worth it in the end, because it opened my mind to
new experiences, thoughts, and ideas that I’d never seen or heard before. The struggle that that
class gave me pushed me one step closer to achieving my academic goals and happiness, and
for that I am forever grateful.