The Achievement of Desire is a memoir written by Richard Rodriguez, in which the author reflects on his experiences as a scholarship boy, a term he uses to describe a student who excels academically but feels disconnected from their cultural roots and community. Throughout the essay, Rodriguez grapples with the tension between his desire for education and his fear of losing touch with his cultural identity.
Rodriguez's journey as a scholarship boy begins when he is awarded a full scholarship to a prestigious Catholic school. At first, he is thrilled by the opportunity to receive a top-quality education and escape the rough neighborhood where he grew up. However, as he progresses through school, he begins to feel more and more isolated from his family and community. He becomes immersed in the world of academics, spending long hours studying and participating in extracurricular activities, and becomes increasingly distanced from the working-class, immigrant culture of his parents.
As he grows older, Rodriguez becomes increasingly aware of the gap between himself and his family and community. He feels guilty for his success and the opportunities it has brought him, and struggles with the guilt of feeling as though he has betrayed his cultural roots. He becomes worried that he has lost touch with the values and traditions of his community, and that he has become too assimilated into mainstream American culture.
Despite these struggles, Rodriguez ultimately finds a way to bridge the gap between his desire for education and his cultural identity. He begins to actively seek out opportunities to engage with his community and to give back to it, volunteering his time and resources to help those in need. Through this process, he learns to value both his education and his cultural heritage, finding a balance between the two that allows him to thrive.
In conclusion, The Achievement of Desire is a poignant and thought-provoking memoir that explores the complex relationship between education, cultural identity, and personal fulfillment. Through his journey as a scholarship boy, Rodriguez illuminates the struggles and triumphs of finding one's place in the world, and offers a poignant reflection on the importance of staying connected to one's roots even as one strives for success.