But the toughest obstacle is having to take away time from those I love most. I am proud of the relationship I have
with my wife and kids, so it tears my guts out when I have to look into my daughter's sad face and explain that I
can't go to the Christmas program she's been practicing for weeks because I have a final exam. It's not easy to tell
my three-year-old that I can't push her on the swings because I have a cause-and-effect paper to write, or tell my
seven-year-old that I can't build a snowman because I have an argument essay to polish. As I tell my family that I
can't go sledding with them, my wife lets out a big sigh, and my kids yell, "Puleeze, Daddy, can't you come with
us?" At these times I wonder if my dream of a college education can withstand such an emotional battering, or if it
is even worth it. But I keep on keeping on because I must set a good example for the four little eyes that are
keeping watch over their daddy's every move. I must succeed and pass on to them the right attitude toward
school. This time when I graduate, because of the hurdles I've overcome, there will be a celebration - a proper one.
2. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. although he misses spending time with his family, Berry feels that graduating from college will make him a
better role model for his children.
b. Berry has two children, one who is three and another who is seven.
c. Berry enjoys family activities such as attending his children's plays and building snowmen.
d. Berry's decision to attend college is hurting his long-term relationships with his wife and daughters.