The Seat Pleasant 59: Part Three

All I can say is wow. What a wonderful closing article to a great series by Paul Schwartzman. The final article of the series focuses on the 59 Dreamers today and who they have become. I really enjoyed how Schwartzman wrote about the influence the Dreamers program still had on each student mentioned, even if they didn't achieve their original goal or actually graduate from college. Some of the Dreamers didn't need a college degree to prove that they had achieved a state of ambition and purpose. Some want to ensure sending their children to college and make sure they don't regret missing out on the opportunity. The continued influence and help that Tracy Proctor continues to have on the Dreamers' lives as their mentor is amazing. With career advice to decision making, Proctor is still their "surrogate father". I think that even if only some of the students in the Dreamers programs succeeded in the initial role, the program still had a huge influence on the member's lives that continues today.

Schwartzman's technique throughout this series continues to be constant with the pathos appeal. However, this particular article was easier to follow with who was who since Schwartzman gave the accomplishment of each person and what they were like back in fifth grade. This technique allows the audience to make connections and revelations about the influence of the Dreamers program. The quotes from each Dreamer have a powerful affect on the audience and establish Schwartzman with ethos. He clearly did his research on this group of people and figured out where to contact them. Honestly, this series is probably some of the better articles I have read since I started this blog. Schwartzman's powerful message proves that the Dreamers can not be measured by their achievements, but how the program itself changed their life.

Source: Schwartzman, Paul. "The Legacy: For those promised college scholarships, the gift inspired pride and pain." The Washington Post 17 Dec. 2011, sec. Local: n. pag. The Washington Post. Web. 26 Dec. 2011.