My dream is almost a success, but there is nothing that can completely explain the struggle I faced throughout my life. I am Jerome, as everyone thinks, but really, inside, I am Vincent.”
I have been living a valid life in spite of my genetic limitations in this society where DNA determines your entire existence. In this society, being genetically modified is considered normal and guarantees success in life, while those who are not may not be accepted by society and are often restricted to manual labor jobs. I was born with a heart condition and was told that my life expectancy was only 30 years. From that moment on, my parents knew that I would not live up to the genetically superior standards of life, and soon afterward, I realized this as well. I was left with no choices in life.
It wasn’t long after my birth that my parents had another baby, my brother Anton, but he was born with enhanced genes, just like the rest of society. As years passed with Anton, I felt the competition between natural-born and genetically-enhanced born. Anton was much stronger, faster, and smarter than me. He was what society called genetically perfect, whereas I was the complete opposite. Even my parents acknowledged that I was fated as a low-class person in this society. I became angry when Anton grew taller than me quickly, and my parents gave him all the attention and respect. No matter how hard I trained or studied, I couldn’t make it to my dreams, which was to become an astronaut and leave Earth. Because of my genetic status, my applications were always rejected, so I was forced to become a cleaner at Gattaca. My parents told me this would be the closest I’d get to my dreams.
I wouldn’t give up, though. I knew I had the intellect and willpower to do what I wanted, even though my genetic status left me in no position to ever reach my goals. The discrimination I faced proved that there is no equal opportunity for everyone in this world. I thought it might be possible for me to become accepted in this society, especially when my brother Anton and I had a swimming competition where his strength had failed him and I had ended up saving him from drowning. Even though at this point, my strength had proved to be better than his, I was still not accepted and unrecognized by anyone in this society.
I soon decided to move out. I felt I had no reason to stay at home as my parents barely noticed I existed. I tore my photo out of the family picture as I left home. No longer could I face the pressure of being an outcast. I was tired of being a cleaner and was prepared to do anything to be recognized as a genetically superior person. I had met an unfortunate man named Jerome Morrow who became my roommate, but he was in a severe accident which left him paralyzed and discarded from society as well.
Jerome was genetically advanced, and with his help, I became recognized as a normal person in this world. With my legs extended and Jerome’s identity, I became a valid person. However, I was forced to maintain this identity by passing all the screen tests with Jerome’s DNA. Every day, I had to scrape away my invalid self to ensure my real identity was not revealed. Although I finally got the job I wanted, life was still hard, especially when the mission director was murdered, and my invalid eyelash was accidentally left behind at the murder scene. New screen tests were developed, and I became fearful. I had to concentrate harder and be more wary of my surroundings. I would do anything to reach my dreams, so I had to make sure that no one would find out who I am until I had reached them.
Soon, I met a girl named Irene who, in a way, was like me. She was among the normal class society but still had flaws, as she had a certain health condition. I could easily relate to her, and we became close. It wasn’t long until my dream came true, and I was appointed to fly to Titan. In the end, only a few had found my real identity, including Irene.
I am now sitting in the spaceship, ready for Titan, as I had just reflected.
