Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, visited the campus of American International College on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, to share his story, as well as to motivate the students as they aspire to be greater in their futures.

Moore’s book is about the decisions that we make within our lives and who helps us.  The book was meant to show the reader how one single choice in our lives can ultimately change our lives forever.  It also expresses the importance of understanding that our decisions do not just affect us, but those who care and love us as well.  These are points that Moore stressed throughout his speech.

Moore discussed his desire to name his book one of six different titles he had created.  His publishing company came up with the one ultimately that was used.  Wes disagreed, saying he hated the title.  He was later told that he was missing the point.

“The important part of the title is the other,” Moore said.  This title isn’t referring to him or the Wes Moore currently imprisoned.  It is referring to everyone.  Each and every one of us is the other in our own way.

Moore is an army combat veteran, as well as a Rhodes scholar and a former employee of the White house.  His journey with the military began at a young age, when his mother no longer could handle disciplining him on her own.  At just 13 years old, Moore’s mother brought him to Wayne, Pennsylvania, where he was newly enrolled in Military school.

Wes did not want to go away and as a result, attempted escaping the large black surrounding gates four times.  On his final attempt, someone had even drawn him a map to the train station.  But he was later found crying in the woods, completely lost.  He was allowed just one phone call four days into his stay.  He called the only number he knew.  Mom.

Moore discussed the importance of understanding that we are not a product of our environment necessarily, but a product of our expectations.  Growing up without a father and a mere 2 memories of the man who is responsible for his life, Moore did not have it easy.  He was expected to turn up a bad kid, not a successful author or decorated officer.

Daniel Naja, a senior at AIC said that Moore inspired him. “I really like what he had to say.  I could see what he meant on so many different levels.  I could relate more than I thought.”

Moore ended by expressing the importance of understanding that what you do matters.  It will always matter, regardless of what it is.

Moore concluded with a statement that forced one to think.  “When it is time for you to leave this school, or a job, or even this planet, make sure that it mattered that you were here.”