Claire Carpenter

I may have just been a “kid” in their eyes, but I knew I was old enough.  I was driven by some internal motive; (pause) let’s call it ambition for now. (pause) I was going to stay home alone and babysit my kid sister.  This internal motive-ambition-has helped me to pursue many different goals through the years, in school, sports, and my personal life.  Ambition, this drive to achieve a goal, is a very dangerous weapon that can be used for good.

                    When Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘had a dream’, he was driven by ambition to reach his goal.  The danger that comes with ambition, may have lead him to gather the people and to fight injustice.  This wise man used ambition as a driving force and a more effective tool for action.  He worked hard, and let this dangerous weapon be used for leadership.  Leading a march, conveying a controversial point in a public speech, and going against what seemed like the weight of the world was a magnificent use of ambition for good. 

                    While Martin had a dream, others have goals, like graduating from high school.  The ambition to receive those passing grades can be taken two ways-like just about everything else in life.  Sometimes we use weapons for bad, like cheating to secure the grades.  But there is using it for the better-studying and working to earn the grade.

                    The consequences that come from the choices we may make because of ambition, are a direct connection to how we used the drive-for good or for bad.

                    The last point I would like to make is that ambition is commonly seen as an excuse, leading to issues along the way.  Those problems can include a closed mind set, which can influence others to limit their options.  But I think that ambition can also lead to better opportunities, like an open minded thought process, that can pave the way toward change.  It can go either way-ambition effecting change for the positive or negative result.  Ambition, when placed in your hands, is up to you to use for good or bad.

                    In conclusion, ambition is healthy and can be used for positive purposes.  But, it can also be taken too far.  The consequences of ambition has a direct correlation with intention.  How you use ambition is ultimately the results produced.  With this deadly weapon placed in your hands, it is your choice whether to use it for good or bad.