Problem: What message is the story trying to convey? And, what does the story, The Bridge , have anything to do with you, your life in general, and your life as a student? Do you accept personal responsibility for all areas of your life -- personal, social, academic, and professional? Do you take personal ownership of your successes, failures, and challenges? Why or why not? Or, do you find yourself scapegoating, blaming, and holding other people responsible for whether you succeed or fail? These people may include parents, family members, teachers/professors, bosses, significant others, society, etc. Why do you hold them accountable, and are these individuals truly responsible? Whether you accept personal responsibility or do not, provide specific examples from your life of what you do. If you do accept responsibility, why do you -- what do you tell yourself? If you do not accept responsibility, why do you not -- what do you tell yourself? Finally, what steps might you take to always take responsibility for yourself?