John Coffey's life isn't one marked by happy moments or triumph or overcoming an impossible challenge. In fact, it's quite the opposite, being surrounded by tragedy, cruelty, and injustice. It's one that isn't meant to have a happy ending or even a satisfying conclusion. The anguish felt throughout the entirety of "The Green Mile" paints a vivid picture of a corrupt system breaking down an innocent man, yet its impact on my worldview has been one of optimism, healing, and forgiveness. For all the suffering and anguish endured, there still appears to be some light at the end in the form of a man who maintains his nature for the good of those around him, never letting his conditions prevent him from doing good. For as tall as John Coffey is at a gargantuan 6'8" and an extremely muscular build, the guards of the prison soon learn that he's extremely gentle, reserved, and quiet. It doesn't make sense, but this hulking man appears to embody the spirit of a four-year-old boy stuck in a giant. It's quite frankly insane to see and hear. For as big as he is, it becomes increasingly apparent that the last thing he would do is hurt a fly, let alone a human. Being convicted for the sexual assault and murder of two young girls, John Coffey arrives at Cold Mountain Penitentiary with the knowledge that he is innocent, though the guards would not become aware of this until much later. As the story progresses, John Coffey slowly begins revealing his magic-like powers, including being able to heal Warden Paul Edgecomb's bladder problem, along with healing his wife, and reviving Mr. Jingles the mouse. Soon enough, the guards begin realizing that John Coffey is completely innocent of his crimes and does not deserve his place in prison. Yet despite the situation that he has been put into, John Coffey refuses to leave the prison. He does not wish to attain his freedom. Instead, he makes use of his powers to heal and restore balance within the prison system and makes friends with the guards. He isn't resentful of the position that he is in, nor does he wish to leave it. He understands that his duty is to fulfill his sentencing and leave the corrupt state of the world. His character demonstrates the tragedy and injustice brought about by social and racial issues, yet he proves that he can forgive and heal despite what he has suffered through. At the end of the film, still joined by Mr. Jingles, Paul Edgecomb questions whether his old age is a punishment by John Coffey or a blessing. He is now 120 years old and continues to live. To me, this action represents a divine action conducted by John Coffey. He understands the good that Paul Edgecomb was attempting to do for him during his last few days, and he knows that despite the horrible conditions he's been put through, he must use his powers and status as a messenger for good. "The Green Mile" isn't meant to be a happy movie with a fantasy ending. It's one based on true events and scenarios that could very likely happen in the real world. Through it all, however, John Coffey's character represents light, innocence, and forgiveness. His traits demonstrate that through every bad scenario, you can use what you have for the sake of helping others. I may not be John Coffey, but his impact and the events of "The Green Mile" are a shining example of how film can influence you and shape who you are greatly.

My college degree will change the path of my life and the lives of the future generation in my family through the life I will establish with my desired career. My parents moved from Mexico to the United States in hopes of providing a better life for me and my brothers. Part of this move included providing us with the ability to go to college and obtain a level of education they were not able to achieve back home. The higher education institutions provided to me here in the U.S. will ensure that I am set up for the future by providing me with a better education than what my parents were offered. With this, I will be able to establish a career in the field I am interested in, being Civil Engineering. With this career, I will establish a stable job and home life for myself and the future generations of my family. To me, a college degree means an opportunity to make something for yourself and start a new chapter in your life. Everyone has aspirations to go into a rigorous field, whether it be engineering, medical, or social services. With these careers comes the need to achieve a higher level of education, one that will teach you grit, determination, and effort. It is through a college degree that you find yourself and you begin to realize how far you can push yourself. For as overwhelming as it gets, the ability to muscle through it and achieve an end goal that you can be satisfied with makes your endeavors all worth it. Completing your college degree opens you up to discovering yourself, making new friends, exploring new opportunities, and discovering where you can take yourself when you put forth your strongest effort. My passions that I continue to explore today as I advance in my academic journey have included drawing, music, gaming, and engineering. I fuel each of these passions every day, whether it's through leisurely enjoyment, research, or practice. I continue to learn more about myself and improve through each of these activites, and though I may not be interested in creating a career in each of them, I will continue improving in them for my enjoyment and satisfaction. They have each allowed me to discover myself, meet new people, and discover what I enjoy most. I plan on taking my engineering passion into the real world by establishing a career in that field and pursuing it going into college. As for my other passions, I plan to juggle them with my academic studies and continue pursuing them as side hobbies to hone my skills and satisfy my goals. The opportunities granted to me by college and my college degree will enable me to create a strong and stable life for myself and my future family, allowing each generation to become better equipped for their own future. With this degree, I will be able to give them the head start and mentorship that I received as a first-generation student, giving them the opportunities they need to create a successful future for themselves just as I have. I see obtaining this college degree as a stepping stone towards creating a well-equipped future generation that can tackle challenges through adversity and determination. At the same time, I will continue to engage in the activities that I am currently passionate about to find myself further and make deeper connections with those around me. All of these actions combined will ensure that the future generation of my family is set up for success as best as possible.

I have been impacted by my status as the first in my family to pursue a college degree in my ambition, motivation, and sacrifices. I have been blessed to be in a similar position as many of my peers, being a first-generation Mexican-American student whose parents moved over from Mexico in hopes of starting a better life for their children. My parents and brothers moved to Texas before I was born to establish a life away from poverty, corruption, and danger. These sacrifices are what have established my drive to pursue college, providing me the foundation to succeed and push my limits beyond anything I could have done before. While not every student from migrant parents aims for a college degree, I have made it my mission to take great strides in ensuring that I fulfill one for myself and my family. They have moved over to a completely new country, learned an entirely new language, and restarted every aspect of their life in hopes of setting me up for success. In a way, they have relearned how to be adults in the same way I'm currently learning to be one too. It was a massive risk and one that could have gone horribly wrong, but today I find myself surrounded by opportunities only a few are fortunate enough to have. Even with the comfort that has been established for me, I understand that I can't let myself become complacent. Knowing that I am the first in my family to pursue a college degree has opened my eyes to a new source of inspiration beyond myself, being my family. With all the work they have put in and all the support they have provided me, I have conditioned myself to becoming grittier, stronger, and more committed than ever before. I will not let their endeavors be in vain and I will not let what they have granted me go to waste. Their actions have enabled me to be in the position I am in today, and I will continue to make the most of what they have given me to attain my full potential. As I continue growing and preparing to go into college, I will continue to learn and improve myself to become the best student I can be. My parents' efforts have not gone unnoticed by me, and I recognize that I must make the most of what has been granted to me. Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree has served as a source of inspiration and motivation for me in my journey. My parents' own journey has resonated with me because of the giant leaps they took just to put me in the position I am in today. They have taught me to make sacrifices, give my best effort, and enjoy myself. Today, I continue to use these lessons to drive myself towards being a better student and I will continue using them during my time in college to provide a strong support system for myself, my friends, and my family.