Grande, Meritocracy, & the Path Forward

 Sandel "nobody to blame but themselves"

Grande "I had already broken one cycle, perhaps it would be possible to break another"

Grande is referring to her accomplishment of being a first generation college graduate as the ''first cycle''. Sandel believes that the idea society has pushed about success all coming from hard work is outdated and harmful. Throughout the book we have seen Reyna Grande overcome so many adversities that have befallen her due to her income and nationality. With the women in her family having very painful and abusive relationships with men and their own mothers, I am not surprised she has chosen to raise Nathan alone. If she wishes to break the cycle of ''victim and victimizer''; she must be the "bigger" person and forgive her mother for her indiscretions and neglect. Personally, I do not think I would be capable of that, but if she manages to do so she will be breaking yet another barrier within her life. 

explain to unfamiliar audience