Ben Carson's Early Life Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who is the story told from the perspective of?

Ben Carson

How old is Ben when his father leaves?

eight

Why is it difficult for Ben when his father leaves?

Never saw his dad as anything other than a good guy

Why do Ben's parents divorce?

Dad had another wife and kids Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ben accept his father's absence?

learned to get by without him Signup and view all the answers

How does the absence of a father affect Ben?

lower income Signup and view all the answers

Who does Ben credit as the most influential person in his life?

mother (Sonya Carson) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the counselor put Curtis in a vocational program?

he was black Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Carson arguing with the school about Curtis say about her?

She wants the best for her kids. She will always do her best to provide for them. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ben's mother and father in one word.

Mother = fighter Father = runner Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sonya marry him?

wanted to escape her old life Signup and view all the answers

How does Sonya deal with being a single parent?

goes to therapy Signup and view all the answers

Where does the family move?

Boston Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ben's Boston neighborhood.

ghetto Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Carson make her living?

maid and nanny Signup and view all the answers

What makes Ben want to be a doctor?

People at church were talking about their missionary fields Signup and view all the answers

What information does Mrs. Carson drill into her sons' minds?

You can always do better Signup and view all the answers

Why does Carson fall behind in school?

can't see well Signup and view all the answers

What stereotype does Ben face in school?

black people aren't smart Signup and view all the answers

What two factors make Carson rise to the top of his class?

glasses, mothers motivation Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ben obey his mom?

respects her Signup and view all the answers

What rules does Mrs. Carson make so her sons will study more?

less TV and playtime Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ben's internal motivation to succeed improve?

His mother is confident in him Signup and view all the answers

What is capping?

insulting each other Signup and view all the answers

What pressure does Ben feel for the first time in his life?

he wants to be a cool kid and fit in Signup and view all the answers

How does Ben win acceptance by his peers?

making fun of other kids Signup and view all the answers

What does Carson feel he needs to be accepted?

cool clothes Signup and view all the answers

Who impacted Mrs. Carson's life?

Mary Thompson Signup and view all the answers

What personality trait affects Ben?

ANGER Signup and view all the answers

How does Carson overcome his anger?

prays and asks God for help Signup and view all the answers

What hospital is Ben interested in working for?

John Hopkins University Hospital Signup and view all the answers

What area of medicine does Ben initially want to pursue?

Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Who does Ben look up to as a role model?

Curtis Signup and view all the answers

What attitude does Sonya instill in her boys?

They create their future Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ben get involved with ROTC?

saw other people doing it and wanted to challenge himself Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ben turn down the West Point scholarship?

wants to go to military school and that would mess with his plans Signup and view all the answers

What does Carson start to be interested in after studying it for the college bowl?

Classical Music Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Ben Carson's Early Life

Ben Carson's father left the family when Ben was eight years old, which significantly impacted his childhood.
His father's absence resulted in the perception of him as a good guy, leaving a lingering sense of loss for Ben.
The divorce occurred because Ben's father had another wife and children.
To cope with his father's absence, Ben learned to adapt and "get by" without him.

Family Dynamics and Influence

Economic hardship followed his father's departure, contributing to a lower income for the family.
Ben credits his mother, Sonya Carson, as the most influential person in his life, shaping his values and determination.
Sonya advocated for her children, as shown by her challenges against the school's decision to place his brother Curtis in a vocational program based on race.
Sonya is characterized as a fighter, while his father is seen as a runner, highlighting their contrasting approaches to life.

Changes and Challenges

The Carson family relocated to Boston, where they faced the realities of living in a ghetto.
Sonya worked as a maid and nanny to support her family while dealing with the challenges of single parenthood, including seeking therapy.
Church interactions inspired Ben's ambition to pursue medicine, particularly after discussions about missionary work.

Education and Personal Growth

Sonya instilled a belief in constant improvement in her sons, emphasizing that they could always do better.
Ben struggled academically initially due to vision problems but overcame these challenges by obtaining glasses, along with his mother's encouragement.
He faced racial stereotypes that suggested African Americans were not intelligent, but he rose to the top of his class through hard work and motivation.

Internal motivation improved as a result of his mother's confidence in him; she implemented rules around limiting TV and playtime to encourage studying.
Social pressures emerged as Ben desired acceptance among peers, feeling the need to fit in and be considered "cool."
He began to win acceptance through humor and making fun of others, alongside a desire for material items like stylish clothing.

Personal Development and Aspirations

Anger became a defining personality trait for Ben, but he sought to manage it through prayer and spiritual guidance.
He set his sights on Johns Hopkins University Hospital for his medical aspirations and initially considered a focus in psychology.
Ben drew inspiration from his brother Curtis as a role model and developed an attitude of creating their future.

Interests and Extracurricular Activities

Participation in ROTC stemmed from a desire to accept a challenge, fueled by observing peers engage in the program.
He declined a scholarship to West Point to prioritize his plans of attending military school, demonstrating his commitment to his goals.
A newfound interest in classical music developed after studying the subject for an academic competition, showcasing his growing curiosity and diverse interests.

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Description

Explore the formative years of Ben Carson, including the significant events that shaped his childhood and character. This quiz delves into family dynamics, economic challenges, and the profound influence of his mother, Sonya Carson. Discover how these experiences contributed to his development as a person and future professional.