University freshmen read “The Work”
By Meg Thomson, Staff Writer//
As incoming freshmen, the High Point University Class of 2019 is required to read “The Work” by Wes Moore as part of The Common Experience. The book, written as a first person, biographical narrative, allows Moore to discuss his work ethic as well as include personal anecdotes from his time overseas while enlisted in the military and his experience during the well-known tragedy in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. A significant amount of this book is told as a biographical narrative. Unlike many books included in first-year courses, this is not a cover-to-cover advice and how-to book. It incorporates life lessons as well as tips and advice into its narrative, allowing the audience to follow his journey through first-hand experiences in which his lessons apply.
Throughout the book, Moore discusses the concept of the First Year Experience, or “FYE.”
“FYE directors select a book and have the entire freshman class read it before coming on campus; once there, the new students have discussions about it,” Moore said. “The truth is that a college’s freshman class is made up of people with a wide assortment of backgrounds, interests, and philosophies. It is tough to establish common ground when you have such a diversity of students and perspectives.” Moore sees this program as a way for incoming freshman to connect with one another, giving them at least one piece of knowledge and one common ground off of which they can base discussions. Although our program is not titled “FYE”, using his book in Dr. Nido Qubein’s President’s Seminar and in other ways allows Moore’s admiration for the concept to shine through his own personal narrative.“Discomfort [isn’t] the enemy. Stalemate [is],” Moore writes. He discusses in depth his belief that one needs to explore his or her own potential. Success is not just served to you on a silver platter. You have to work for it and, more importantly, earn it. “You don’t do things because they are easy,” Moore said. “Nothing done with that motivation is worth doing.” The book is full of motivational quotes as well as captivating anecdotes from Moore’s own life. As a small addition, Moore includes a sort of index in the back of the book. It includes an extensive list of charitable organizations, their locations, and a short description of their goals and initiatives to help anyone who picks up the book find organizations to contribute to. He makes a typically grueling and uncertain process as easy as glancing at the index.
As a whole, “The Work” is an entertaining story that incorporates important and fulfilling motivational messages throughout its narrative. Moore’s story is a great choice for this year’s incoming freshman class. The words of Wes Moore are moving and inspiring as he shares his stories and experiences with his intended audience: people just like HPU’s Class of 2019.