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Narrative Essay For College

Decent Essays

Gowing up to spend the past 18 years of my life on the Chicago Westside has been an interesting journey. I currently live in the Austin community, where there is a population of 98,514 in 2010 and 85.1% is Black, 8.58% is Hispanic, and 4.43% is White. Growing up in an area of complete violence and poverty felt like a game. Making sure you stay on your side of the block, making sure you’re home before dark, and even making sure you never walk alone. Never. A lot of people get scared when they hear about a life like this, but it's reality for me, and I honestly feel pretty comfortable with the people surrounding me. They look like me, talk like me, and even dress like me. We all watch out for each other. It's a family beyond blood that was built in my community. I live on a block where it is 95% Black. Besides my family, there is only one other Hispanic family. I never really left my community or the type of people I surround myself with either. I honestly didn't feel comfortable leaving and going into a “White” community. But my comfort level was really tested when I left for the summer to the …show more content…

This program takes place over the course of two summers for a whole month. Although this amazing opportunity was given to me, for free, I was very hesitant to make the commitment. I wasn’t so confident in myself, especially to be surrounded by the biggest white community in Illinois, DuPage County. I had very little interest in attending Wheaton College for two summers. I knew I wouldn't feel comfortable in that community. I wouldn't have my mom’s delicious home cooked meals every night, or to see my little brother and watch him play outside. I wouldn't have that comfortability of being at home. I wouldn't be surrounded by my friends and family who constantly look out for me. I was going to be in an unknown territory looking after myself. I was scared of

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