Summary of Cliff Schneider’s “I’m Still Learning from My Mother”

In his essay, “I’m Still Learning from My Mother”, Cliff Schneider writes about his relationship with his mother.  As a child, his mother was not the typical suburbanite mom.  “She would happily grab a glove … and then fire fast balls at me that cracked my glove and left my hand stinging” (Schneider 13).  Schneider’s mom prided herself in her athletic abilities and loved competition.  His mom was an avid bowler.  However, as she aged, she struggled with the physical limitations that come with getting older.  Her scores dropped and she had to start using a lighter bowling ball.  She insisted that the lighter ball wasn’t doing the job.  Still determined to pursue her dream of a 200 game, she bought a heavier bowling ball, and a week later bowled a 220.  Schneider was amazed by his mom’s achievement, writing that he “I can still learn from Mom-that you are never too old to dream and never too old to realize those dreams” (Schneider 13).

I found his essay to be very touching.  My mother has always been a role model to me.  She taught me many very valuable lessons throughout my childhood, but it doesn’t stop there.  Even as an adult, I look to my mom for advice.  However, I don’t usually have to ask for this advice.  I still learn valuable lessons by simply observing how she handles life’s situations.

Schneider’s mom was a jock even though “it wasn’t very fashionable for women to go running alter [sic] a ball and work up a sweat” (Schneider 13). (<If the source is clear, you need only give the page number) My mother joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school in the 1970’s.  The majority of the men she served with felt that women didn’t belong in the Marine Corps.  She was determined to prove that she could do anything the men could do, if not better.  When she attended training, she graduated first in her class.  Many people considered her goal to be unorthodox.  This did not cause her to give up.  Her experience taught me to follow my dreams regardless of what is considered to be conventional.

Schneider’s mother never lost sight of her goal.  She would tell him, “I’m going to make 200 if it kills me” (Schneider 13).  When my mother was 30, she was diagnosed with a chronic disease.  She rarely complained and never gave up on life.  She does her best to be optimistic and remains focused on achieving her goals, despite her continuing struggle with the disease.  I’ve learned that life is full of obstacles that you will have to overcome.  My mother’s perseverance and determination taught me that complaining doesn’t help a situation.  The key is to not let those things get in the way of achieving your goals.

Like Schneider’s mom, my mother “played hard, she laughed a lot and, win or lose, she was always gracious” (Schneider 13).  One of our favorite things to do was play board games.  My mom never took it easy on me.  She brought her “A-game” and expected me to do the same.  It didn’t matter who won, it was about enjoying the time spent together.  I learned that as long as I give it my all, I have succeeded whether I win or lose.

It all just goes to show, regardless of their abilities or accomplishments, our parents, mothers and fathers alike, can still teach us many valuable lessons, merely by example.  Schneider wrote, “there is some degree of luck in every game, but in Mom’s case she had the best same [sic] of her life because she persevered” (13).  All of the trophies and awards in the world won’t teach you how to be a “winner”. It’s the examples of following your dreams and accomplishing your goals through determination and perseverance that help us to succeed in life.

Works Cited

Schneider, Cliff. “I’m Still Learning from My Mother.” Newsweek 20 Mar. 2000: 13.

Angel, this is an excellent essay!  You did a really good job of blending Schneider’s words with your own.  I would like to use it as an example in future classes if you give me permission.  I can make it anonymous.