Growth!

Im a young hispanic,
born and raised in the land of entrapment,
people stereotype
they see me and they start to panic,
assuming just by my appearance that im a savage,
that im merciless that i just care about my self,
well ur wrong if u think that
let me tell u wat im really about,
in a way some are right, I can be a savage at times,
but I don't mess with theirs if they dont mess with mine.
I'm just another minority, but in reality the minority is the majority.
By statistics theres less majority then there are minoritys,
so why do my people get treated so bad?
To myself that same question I always ask?
Its sad, too see people try to act better then others when in reality we are all just sisters and brothers!

- Mario

Mario is working on his 10th grade credits. Seeing him change and begin to ask me questions has helped me recognize the young man in him. He wants in the simplest ways to be accepted, and to not feel afraid. It is the fear that puts up his defenses. The only adult interaction he receives is with the staff members who in all their good intentions usually treat him like a criminal. I see how Mario struggles with believing in what he can be, while being treated like what he feels he aught to be. What he aught to be is gangsta, savage, loco, or criminal. That is the message society and the system is telling him. For an hour every Sunday I try to see the boy who wishes, dreams, and loves. I think he has helped me appreciate the simplicity I live in. I am also aware how luxurious it is to have a mother, father, education, support, and for the most part respect. I feel we are connecting and he has been comfortable enough to ask me questions. Questions like why don't you cuss? How come your not married anymore? How come you don't have a girlfriend? His interest is sign of his willingness to connect with me, his willingness to invest in who I am, and that means a lot to me. If Mario inspires you at please write to him, he would greatly appreciate your words. If he offends you, please look at what fears he has caused you to defend.