(Story, Essay) Unexpected Journey of the Republican Politician

Once upon a time, there was a man named Tom who dreamed of becoming a great politician. He wanted to run for a high position in politics and make a difference in the world. However, there was someone from his past, a man he knew from school, who had set certain expectations for him. This man believed that Tom should follow a specific path, and unfortunately, politics was not on the table.

Tom's friend from school had always been very influential in his life. He had strong opinions about what Tom should and shouldn't do. One of those opinions was that Tom wasn't ready to interact with people from different cultures, especially African American boys. This was because Tom had never really experienced a multicultural environment, and his friend thought it would be too challenging for him.

As Tom grew older, he realized that he wanted to explore other fields. He wanted to learn more about the world and meet people from different backgrounds. But his friend from college didn't approve of this idea. He believed that Tom should stick to what he knew and not venture into unknown territories.

Despite his friend's disapproval, Tom decided to follow his heart. He remembered a scripture that said, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). This scripture gave Tom the courage to pursue his dreams, even if it meant going against what others expected of him.

Tom knew that he needed to start somewhere, so he decided to apply for a job at the local gas station. It wasn't the high political position he had once dreamed of, but it was a place where he could meet people from all walks of life. He believed that by working there, he could learn more about the world and prepare himself for whatever the future held.

In the end, Tom realized that life is full of unexpected journeys. Sometimes, the path we think we're supposed to take isn't the one that leads to our true purpose. By listening to his heart and trusting in the plans that were meant for him, Tom found a new direction that was both fulfilling and exciting.

1. Who is Tom, and what are his initial dreams and aspirations?

2. How does the man from Tom's past influence his decisions and expectations?

3. Why does the man from school believe that politics is not a suitable path for Tom?

4. What challenges does Tom face in interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds?

5. How does Tom's friend from college react to his decision to explore other fields?

6. What role does the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 play in Tom's decision-making process?

7. Why does Tom decide to apply for a job at the local gas station?

8. How does working at the gas station help Tom meet people from different walks of life?

9. In what ways does Tom's journey reflect the idea of following one's heart despite external expectations?

10. How does Tom's story illustrate the importance of finding one's true purpose in life?