My life has been like a never-ending movie, with the same road leading me to the same situations over and over again. Growing up, I was always surrounded by drive-bys, getting jumped, and the constant bullying at school. It seemed like nothing ever changed and I was stuck in this cycle. I had to make a decision, either join a gang or remain the same young kid I was. I chose to join, thinking it would make my life better, but it wasn't perfect or cool. Instead, I faced tough challenges, going in and out of jail, and eventually ending up in prison. It was a wake-up call for me. In prison, I learned valuable lessons, even something as simple as tying my shoes correctly. I knew if I didn't get my act together, I would either end up dead or continue living a life of struggle. My dream is to buy my mother a house before she passes away, but even after all these years, I am still stuck in the same situation. It's hard to see my old friends and acquaintances from middle school now successful doctors, paramedics, and firemen, while I am still living in the ghetto. But as my father always said, we have to keep moving forward in life, no matter how tough the road may be.
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