Students examine primary sources related to decisions Eisenhower made throughout his early life: the role of his family, his time at school in Abilene, and eventually applying to West Point. Of particular interest: Eisenhower’s options, how these options were shaped by the circumstances of Eisenhower’s early life, and the role of resilience. This lesson invites students to delve into key primary sources to develop a factual understanding as well as demonstrate critical thinking in sourcing evidence and supporting an argument in a well-crafted letter of recommendation.