It’s A Set Up

In my neighborhood, it’s the usual “hood” set up. There are food shops, hair shops, barber shops, liquor stores and convalescent homes every three blocks. Luckily my block isn’t so bad but up the hill and down the street about three blocks away is a whole different neighborhood. There are no shootings going on in my area but shootings have occurred several blocks down. Compared to other cities like Richmond I live in a nice neighborhood with less violence and shootings. Living in the “hood” makes things harder for me. Every time I leave the house or come home I’m always aware of who is around and what cars are parked on my block. If I notice guys hanging outside on my block I call my mom or dad to open the front door if they are home. So that way they know someone else is home. If it happens to be no one home, that’s when I have to think on my feet and use my best judgment. Either wait until they clear the area before getting out of my car or getting my taser out ready for battle. Living in an urban neighborhood you have to always assume someone is going to try something with you!

A neighborhood can teach you so much if you really pay attention to everything that happens on your block. If it’s just knowing what time your neighbor takes out there trash every Friday, or knowing when another neighbor is usually home from work. Little details can save your life one day. I do believe a neighborhood can affect who you choose to become in both good ways and bad ways. I am who I am because of the neighborhood I lived in. Because of the struggles within my neighborhood, the crime my family tries to avoid, the poverty we experienced together as a community that what makes me strive above all that goes on in my community and become a better person. The only thing that my neighborhood is doing for me is keeping me prepared for the real life struggles and pushing me to be successful!