The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho- Part I

“It’s true; life really is generous to those who pursue their Personal Legend, the boy thought.” -166

This book is a charming story of Santiago, a boy who discovers that his Personal Legend is to venture across the desert and uncover buried treasure. Along the way, he experiences many obstacles, but ultimately clings to his Personal Legend and fulfills it at all costs.

The boy learns that the world will help those who are on their path toward their Personal Legend, and not even love will get in the way. This book tells us that we each have a Personal Legend that we can choose to pursue. This lesson is a great one for us soon-to-be grads who will have to decide what to go after in the coming years. Should one pursue what they love and feel they were born to do? Or should he or she be open to new opportunities that arise, or find contentment in simpler things? This book serves to inspire us to say yes to the first question, and seek out our own Personal Legend with new dedication and fervor.