In all honesty, while Charles Blow spoke, I didn’t understand much of what he said. His mic was facing the other way and he was speaking very softly. But I’m assuming he was talking about his childhood and how difficult his life was when he grew up. I think he was reading the first chapter of his book or something of that sort. My reaction was that of sympathy for this man who had to go through so much. Of how he had to hide his sexual preference and such. Of how him growing up poor and having to deal with a lot of bullying and being poor. His talk made me realize not to take things for granted. That there are a lot of people out there that have to deal with so many more problem than me. If I could spend 10 minutes with Charles Blow I would tell him that his life isn’t as bad as he makes it seem. That there are a lot of people out there who deal with such things in a daily bases, yet they know how to handle themselves and continue living without the need to announce it to the world. I would also congratulate him for being able to get a good education and make it in the real world even though he had to go through many struggles and peer pressure. I would tell him that I have sympathy for him and that it was unfortunate for the things that happened to him while he was young. But I would also point out that life is not fair. And that his case of his life story is very minimal when you compare it to that of other people life story. There are many kids who get killed and slaughtered every single day. There are kids who starve and don’t have the right to education. Places where women must remain in the house and don’t have any basic human rights. I would tell him that his life story is that of many. And that it might be better to write about other people who even have to struggle more in the world. That sometimes you have to stop worrying about your problems and think of other peoples. Yes, Charles Blow is influential to some youth kids, but I just think someone like him should be able to see the bigger picture of the world and realize there are so many more important things to worry about.

Growing up in a rough neighborhood, I have seen many violent and tough situations. However, there is one experience that sticks out in particular.  A couple years ago, while walking to school, I saw a homeless man laying on the floor. I walked up to him and gave him whatever was in my pocket ( which wasn’t a lot). I told him have a good day, and he thanked me. I left and continued walking to school. After school was over, I walked back home. On the way back, I saw the same homeless man, except this time, there was a man standing next to where he was sitting. The man had a suite on and was yelling into the homeless man’s face. Telling him about how he should get a job and stop being such a lazy person. The homeless man seemed scared and I felt that I should go and confront the man with the suite on. However, as I was walking their way, I saw the man standing kick the homeless man. I froze in my spot, then the man looks at me and gives me a death look. I turn around and run back home. I was so nervous for my own safety, that I didn’t bother giving help to the homeless man. When I got home, I felt so ashamed of myself. I will never forget that day, how something I might have prevented, didn’t do anything about it. Looking back now, it makes me sick on what i didn’t do. If I see something like this again, no doubt, I will help. But a couple years ago, I was a small little boy who still didn’t know who he was in the world. A kid that was confused by all the life drama. I wouldn’t make the same choice again. I would help if I can go back in time. Anything I could do would be better than just walking away.