Don’t waste time trying to fit in. Be yourself and embrace who you are. Because I goofed around in my younger years, I went no further than six grade. I was on my way to becoming a real loser, and I could have died many times in the streets. I did go back to school in later years, got my GED and an Associates Degree in Computer Technology. But my point is, my reality doesn’t have to be yours. The thug image was created and given to us for us to imitate, for our demise. Give back the image because it’s not who we are. We come directly from God and to He we will return. My appeal to our youth is, no one can live this life for you. Pay attention, make smart choices and if you happen to make a mistake along the way, don’t worry. It happens, but try not to be a repeat offender. Don’t waste your time; it’s your most valuable asset. Pay attention to the lessons while you’re stressing.

The author recalls reading and writing being his favorite subjects in the early years of school. In elementary, he would win incursive hand writing contest. He could recall being excited about learning for a short while. But back in the neighborhood around his peers, he wanted to fit in. He was constantly tested throughout his youth. A toxic environment could certainly change a person, and Larry Johnson; The Ghost would get taken for the ride of his young life

My peers would never see the true me because like many of today’s youth, we suppress what’s inside of us just to fit in. The smart guys get bullied, teased and targeted. Do you become predator or prey? I played the part so well that SOME of my peers actually assumed that I couldn’t read, although my favorite subject in school just happened to be reading and writing.