Losing something can be one of the most frustrating things ever. It can throw your whole day off course. Conversely, lose half of a pair of socks. Everyone has this problem; Matching socks aren't everyone's forte. Whether you look like an idiot with two different colored socks or your big toe is sticking out of a hole, it can change the entire perspective of your day. You can unleash it completely or let it bother you for the next 24 hours. Chip Martin allows his pain to haunt him for the rest of his life. In John Green's award-winning young adult novel, “Looking for Alaska,” main character Chip “Colonel” Martin meets his new roommate, Miles “Pudge” Halter. The Colonel is the best friend of the seductive Alaska Young, with whom Pudge has fallen deeply in love. At Culver Creek Preparatory School, not much seems to happen beyond the gates; Alaska, the Colonel and Pudge discover things they probably want to forget. Alaska and Pudge share moments and the Colonel makes sure his friends are aware of the problems. Pudge learns more and more about Alaska, and when all goes well, one doesn't expect the worst, death. The Colonel and Pudge must collect the remains of their friend's death. This leads to the Colonel's destruction. Being Alaska Young's best friend reminds him that you never truly realize what you've lost until he's gone. The colonel opens up, as he is not just a passionate and overconfident guy, but a sentimental and sensitive person. For this reason he comes from a disadvantaged family, which makes him a real member of the family. It also allows him to be a strong-hearted man to his single mother. Chip shows his loyalty to his mother and all his friends. He......middle of paper......feelings of wealthy people. “Well, now you understand why I hate rich people” (Green 91). Since many would think he is the stereotype of the arrogant athlete, you thought wrong. Once you get to know Chip Martin and become his friend, his softer, more sentimental side shines through. The author shows the reality of poverty, single parents, and the strength of teenagers in our society. Families in Canada are very lucky, but living in a big country blinds us to everything around us. The colonel's friends never saw where he came from, and when they do they realize how lucky they really are. Works Cited “11 Facts About Education and Poverty in America.” Do something. Np, nd Web. November 29, 2013. .Green, John. In Search of Alaska: A Novel. New York: Dutton Children's, 2005. Print.