October Sky

Eric Porter May 14, 2012 B283 October Sky I love in the beginning Homer Hickam tries out for football. All entrepreneurs try out different ideas. Homer went with a popular idea that his brother was already successful at but unfortunately football was just not for him. The coach mentioned something that many entrepreneurs should learn, “You got to learn when to quit”. Some ideas can be pushed hard enough and eventually break through; however for most it is better to pivot and find another idea before all the resources are exhausted. I think what is impressive about the beginning of the movie is when everybody sees Sputnik they are scared of the new concept, but Homer sees it as inspiration. He was so inspired that he was willing to sacrifice his whole social life by hanging with Quintin, (the school nerd). When they are told they can’t fly rockets on company property Homer is the only one who still sees potential for their idea. He envisions Snake Root as a perfect place for his projects. They also run into some problems when they discover to move forward they need more funding. One of the guys brings up the idea of scrapping abandoned rail road tracks for cash. Just when things begin to go their way is when things take a turn for the worst. The police show up and prohibit all rocket activity believing that it was their rockets that started a forest fire. Every business has a refining period when they are met with adversity. Maybe they get sued for being accused for copying someone else’s idea. Or perhaps a cease and desist order is given till they get proper permits. Here is where they prove their determination. After a long time, Homer finally goes on a quest to find the rocket that supposedly started the fire. Once proven innocent they again begin their rocket projects and Homer goes back to school. When hard times hit our business people often need to make a choice between following a dream or staying afloat. Homer had to sacrifice his dream for a time to help his family. Eventually time became available to go back. The hardest part is recognizing when it is time to turn back. For Homer it was when his teacher shared her desires for him to follow his dreams. As they finally reached the science fair foul play arose. Someone had stolen their entire set up to keep them from winning. This may be compared to some markets as someone breaking in and vandalizing your business. Homer didn’t give up and proceeded against the odds. His father humbled himself enough to allow part of the boys rocket to be made again, and helping Homer to win the science fair.