Thank you for sharing this piece. I feel I can relate to many of the things you had to say. I too come from a somewhat privileged background. I received the best opportunities public education could offer. I truly can say I received a quality education. Currently I’m finishing my last year of college at a very good private school.
My mother is a school-teacher and has worked predominately in at-risk schools. From her perspective she and I have both witnessed the tension between middle class and poor blacks especially in school. It’s the battle between the haves and the have-nots. I think you should continue to reach out to those who are in poor communities and serve as a role model. My mother was a first generation college student and was raised in the projects. After becoming a teacher, my mom worked in a school near the projects. One day I was observing her class and one of her students said, “What do you expect from us? We’re from the projects”. To which she replied, “So was I”. I felt this illustrates the sense of low and no expectations that many poor children have. It could also illustrate frustration since many of them want the help, are eager to learn, and better themselves, but do not have the means to do so. Without mentors and positive role models they turn to the streets and go straight down a path of self-destruction; ultimately leading to a continued cycle of poverty. These “gangs” are most often the people that show them love. Children reject the mainstream ideals of success because the lack institutional means to become successful. All they see is this guy’s a drug dealer, he has money, and etc. and I want that. They don’t see their neighbor who’s gotten an education and is living a good-life, doing what they love, and following their dreams.
I think you should return to places like your community and help the youth. Additionally you’ll be able to relate to the children and tell them how you got where you are now. You are an example and show that anything is possible. You can show children who grew up like yourself that no one should be a victim of their circumstances. Just because we can not help the situations we are born into, doesn’t mean we don’t have to accept it and fall victim to our circumstances. As long as you have good intentions things will work out, because you represent a light and beacon of hope. My older brother told me even in an infinite abundance of darkness, if you set of a light filled truth, love, and compassion, no matter how small it is, the darkness will vanish. I often think about this when I doubt that I can impact someone else’s life or make a difference.
