Rudy Ruettiger Research Paper

The Hardworking Dreamers Rudy Ruettiger once said, “When you have passion and commitment, you do not need a complex plan. Your plan is your life is your dream” (“Rudy Ruettiger Quote”). Two young men each have a dream in their lives that plans out their future. In their high school years they really work hard to achieve their dreams. Shawn Grim’s dream was to be the first in his family to get a college degree and Rudy Ruettiger’s dream was to play on the Notre Dame football team. Shawn Grim and Rudy Ruettiger are the two young men who even through their difficult lives, they go on and try their best to achieve their dreams. Both Shawn and Rudy struggled with money and they were homeless. Shawn lives in Appalachia in his own red pick up truck, with very little money. He plays football for his high school team and is a very good athlete. He also makes money by working at a Burger King. Rudy came from a blue collar family from Joliet, Illinois. Unlike Shawn, Rudy lived in a janitor's closet for a part of his life while trying to succeed in school. He earned
Shawn’s family never really got along and they stole from each other often. His stepdad was an alcoholic and his brother did some dirty things that he is not proud of. He also had heartbreak when he failed in school and he disappointed himself and his family. Even though Rudy also had a tough background and relationships, he is different in some ways. Rudy’s family never really supported him with his dream, especially his dad and brother who both agreed that he could never do it. He was also heartbroken when his own brother took his girlfriend from him when he was away trying to achieve his dream. He was also not accepted into Notre Dame after applying three times, which really hurt him. Although Shawn and Rudy had some very difficult times, they had some bright moments