The problem with life is that young people are not born knowing to play fair.
What I mean is, they don’t take care. Many youths find out too late that if you bring nothing to the table of society you are going to be out of luck, hoping someone will spare some change, or that the trash can will have something to offer.
It’s like the “hipness” of life, when we are young, blinds us from our maximum potential.
When I was young, I was concerned with dressing well, girls, and getting wasted. Meanwhile, life was passing me by. Nobody told me to play fair, to serve in the military, to be civil and have good manners.
Eventually I learned that the path to prosperity is being good, being fair. If someone looks out for you, then you return the favor to them or somebody else.
If men and women serve their country before asking for something in return, then they place themselves in a position of priority in this country. It angers me that I wasn’t informed about how the real-world works.
Now, I sell “Street Sense,” and I want to become a doctor, police officer, or go into the military, gain some skills, and provide some service for the people I love. Plus, I’ll be good and get paid for it.
The problem is, I’m late because I didn’t catch the fire. I was not amazed by the righteousness of life. I had no good life coaching, and the result is who I am today.
I really wish I never drank or did drugs. I wish I had just been a square in life. You know, like sticking with my family and friends, having a great career, being someone my parents could glory in.
Instead, I only heard the hustlers. I followed them and failed. If only someone had turned me on to dignity!
Now, people, as I speak, some kids are still on Cloud Nine. Will the real Christians and others of good conscience take a stand with me to help prevent future bums, inmates and punks?
Jermale has been a vendor for two years.
