Throughout the movie, it is clear that Jamal gives nothing but his all in everything he does. From the basketball court to his writing of journals and stories, he shows a great deal of drive for success. This trait is really shown during his time at Mailer Callow. At his first basketball practice, John Hartwell, the current star at Mailer Callow, embarrasses Jamal. Instead of putting his head down, Jamal fights back. The next play he comes back down the court and scores on Hartwell. This short incident really displays Jamal's mindset. While some people would give up and sulk, Jamal does the exact opposite; he fights adversity. He uses the incident as a way to motivate himself to be better. From this day on he begins to work harder and harder until he finally accomplishes his goal of being the star on the team. Unfortunately for Jamal, his dreams as a writer will not so easily be achieved. Clearly Jamal's escape from life's stresses is by writing. Coincidentally, writing is also something Jamal is very talented at. Sadly no one, besides William Forrester believes he is that gifted. .
The main person that opposes Jamal's writing is Professor Crawford. This is unusual because teachers are supposed to be positive and support students, not be an opponent. Jamal does not let this obstacle get in the way of his writings, though. Instead he takes Crawford's actions and words and uses them as things to work off of. Jamal continues to create works of art, yet he is still denied acceptance by Crawford. When Jamal presents one of his papers Crawford states to him, "the question concerning your most recent work isn't whether it's good but whether it is too good"(Finding Forrester) The meaning of this quotation is simply; Crawford doesn't acknowledge Jamal's talents. Although Crawford doesn't acknowledge Jamal's talents, again Jamal stays committed to his writings. By committing to himself and his works he is able to come out on top at the end and prove Crawford wrong.