Have you ever read a book that changed your life? A book that inspired you to pursue your dreams, overcome your challenges, and make a difference in the world? For me, that book was “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Benjamin Carson, one of the most renowned and accomplished neurosurgeons in history.

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It all started when I stumbled upon the book "Gifted Hands" by Dr. Benjamin Carson in my locker during my high school days. Apparently, someone had mistaken my locker for theirs, or I was about to be framed for stealing. Whichever it was, I didn't give a damn. My eyes were simply glued to the book cover, and I kept staring at it. There was something enticing, and one thing I certainly can't tell made me decide to go through it.

But first, I had to find the owner of the book to ask if I could keep it for a few days, and they agreed. After getting the green light, I checked out the short notes about the author on the back page. I was really impressed, which made me even more excited to go through the pages and learn a lot.

Despite all the troubles he had to go through, ranging from living in a poor neighborhood without a father to poor academic performance, racism, and temper issues, Dr. Benjamin Carson didn't let all this define him. Instead, with the support of his mother, he continued to push through and achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

He went on to become the first doctor to successfully separate Siamese twins joined at the back of the head in Johns Hopkins University Teaching Hospital, Baltimore, United States of America. Not only this, but he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President George W. Bush in 2008. He also wrote several bestselling books, including “Think Big,” “The Big Picture,” and “America the Beautiful,” that share his insights and perspectives on various topics such as education, faith, leadership, and patriotism.

The main message of "Gifted Hands" was clear: no matter where we come from, we can shape our futures if we work hard and don't give up.

The Impacts

"Gifted Hands" had a great impact on my academic life during my time in high school. At that time, I was dealing with a lot of problems. School was tough, and I didn't know what my future would be like. The idea of overcoming challenges and achieving something great seemed far away.

But reading this book made me gain some strength and gave me the reasoning that I can be whatever I choose to be, no matter whatever obstacle I face. Dr. Ben Carson was in a far worse situation, but he became renowned and successful. What about me, living in a very good house with parents that provide for all my needs? Is a simple academic challenge enough to prevent me from achieving my goals? Those were the questions that kept bothering my mind after I had read the book, and it made me give serious thought to my life.

It inspired me to work harder and made me believe that no situation can define a person's future. Our future lies in our hands; we create and paint our future ourselves. I became a better student in high school, and upon graduating, I still have the experience of Dr. Ben Carson in mind as I go through his biography from time to time. It is a source of inspiration for me when I am facing challenging situations.

I have learned not to give up on the first try and not to say it is impossible because everything is possible depending on how we see things. "Gifted Hands" changed my perspective on life. I used to give up easily on things, and my favorite words then were, "Can I do this?" But it's no longer so. Instead, when I face situations that are challenging, I say to myself, "You can do it, just like Dr. Ben Carson." I always remind myself that Dr. Ben Carson is human like me, and he is not an extraordinary being.

The philanthropic life of Dr. Ben Carson is something worthy of emulation. I have learned to give the little I have, and it makes me happy to do so. My favorite quote at the moment is "Your background doesn't determine your destiny; it's your attitude and actions that shape who you become," because Dr. Ben Carson has proven that this is true in all aspects.

"Gifted Hands” by Dr. Benjamin Carson is more than just a book. It is a story that shows how anyone can achieve their goals and dreams with hard work and faith. It is a story that changed my life.