I grew up in a south side Chicago land area, which was very difficult for me. I remember all the tragic violence that the gangs in my neighborhood brought to my community. I also remember the times when they would go up to me after school and ask me if I would join their gang and would tell me how I would have all these people to back me up. I would always say no though. Stuff like that never had my attention. I come from a good and respectfully family. I was brought up to never be a follower and to be a leader. All of my uncles had to do everything themselves and had to work for their own money. They never had an allowance or anything like that. They had to make their own money and get jobs. This is very important because most people have not learned responsibility or independency throughout their family.

I started to be responsible when I was at the age of 7. As an only child I never had any one to look up to in my house hold. I was taught to do things on my own such as wash clothes, take the garbage out, and was dishes. I only had a mother so I was alone in an apartment, even though my grandmother lived up stair. She would always come down and check on me here and there and ask “are you okay?” or “do you need anything”. But other than that I was alone and I really didn’t mind it. I had a responsibility that a 12 or 13 year old should have. And I was proud of that because most of my uncles had the same responsibility as me at my age. So that made me feel good because it made me felt like I would one day grow up to be successful like them. When I wasn’t cleaning the house I was doing homework or hanging out with friends. I really didn’t explore around my neighborhood much because I didn’t feel safe. I would always be two house’s down from my own or if anything a block away.

I was independent almost all threw my life as a young child. I didn’t mind being alone because I was mature for my age. My mother could trust me alone because she knew my grandmother would check up on me and or she knew I wasn’t a trouble maker. I never really had friends that lived around me so the only time I would see them is at school. After I grew up and moved out the neighborhood I still feel the need to be independent in my life today. I’m always alone at my house because my mother works two jobs and my stepfather works also. So it doesn’t bother me as it would to someone who would have their parent(s) with them all the time. I feel like I get more things accomplished in life as I’m independent. I’ve handled all my problems on my own and if anything my friends were there for me on a few of them. I look on getting a job and making my own money and attending a college that is right for me. I also plan to save up my own money and buy my own car. I wish to do everything in life on my own. I don’t feel the need to ask my parents for anything for the fact that I want to show them that I can do it on my own if I had to.

I grew up fast and I’m just living life as it comes and trying to keep up with everything that I’m surrounded by. I’m happy to say that I’m glad I grew up fast because if I didn’t I think I would still act a little childish and I think I’m not at that stage anymore. I feel that I’m ready for the real world and to begin making money, moving out, and having my own family, I would like to thank my family members that I looked up to that stayed true and did the right things in life. At my age I know I’m ready for the real world and only time will take too see when I can get my first job.