White boy in the streets

A couple days ago I met a friend that goes by Shaq. He wondered his way into the buidling that I am currently working out of and he introduced himself to me. He is a 18 year old black boy that carries a steeze in his walk, he's roughly six feet tall and has freshly faded haircut. We started shootin’ ball on the mini hoop that hangs from the office door and getting to know each other a little bit. After a quick 10 minutes of talking to him I could tell one thing.. He was from the hood, and when I say hood, I mean HOOD. He was telling me about everyone that has done him wrong in the past and the crazy things that he's seen while living in “brick city.” For example, when some guy that he knew (an innocent bystander) got shot for riding his bicycle in the wrong neighborhood. Oh and a story about a grown adult killing a kid for some cash just to get enough money for the next drug fix. After hearing some of these stories me and shaq got into a conversation that covered just about everything you could cover when meeting someone on a first time basis (Girls, School, Life, Family, Past, Future, Etc.). It was safe to say that by the time the conversation ended WE WERE BOYS. The fact that I finally managed to make a friend had me on cloud nine. We got done shooting hoops, finished up our conversation and said our goodbyes for the day and he went home. I continued working for a few days before I had  another encounter with him; The second time I came across him, it was on “his turf.” I was walking home from work at a fast pace with my backpack strapped to my shoulders as I usually do when someone shouted “What’s Good Kal.” I looked back and sure it enough, It was him! We started talking for a bit and it spiraled into us getting a drink from the gas station and hanging out for a bit. We were kicking it in the streets and I got introduced to all of Shaq’s hoodlum friends which was super cool. Shaq asked me if I wanted to go to his house and get introduced to his family. I said yes so we started walking and we got there after a draining 5 minute walk ;). I met his Fam and they were Dope! We went outside after talking to his family for about 10 minutes. I was sitting on his front porch when I realized that Shaq only lived one short block away from where I'm staying. Do you know what the means? I LIVE IN THE HOOD. THE REAL HOOD. It’s safe to say that I was pretty oblivious to what was going on around me. I had no idea of the things that were happening just minutes away from my front door, the amount of people that are getting killed on a weekly basis or how many gang members there really are. Walking around these streets for one short day with my new homie has taught me so many things. I’m just lucky to say that I have a friend like shaq that is helping me to develop some respect on the block. If it wasn't for him I would have probably been robbed days ago. It’s crazy to think that the kids out here come out the womb having to watch their own back; I’ve never had to watch my own back or worry about a stranger ever taking anything out of my pocket. It took me being here to be thankful for that. There are so many things that I have taken for granted throughout my life. If there is one thing to be said its that “no matter what situation you're in, someone in the hood has it worse.” So be thankful for what you have and for the kind people that surround you. PS: shaq got enrolled to the business program that I'm associated with and he's going to make it big time, Mark my words. 

Learning the floor plan to a new home 

From a birds eye view, New York City is a place that anyone can go to for opportunity and a chance to make something of themselves. From a pedestrians view in time square, New York City is a place that is full of people that are better than you. If there is one things to be said it’s that my preconceived thoughts are much different than my current thoughts. Here I was, thinking I was going to OWN this city as I looked out of the plane window while descending into the Laguardia airport. That was until I was sitting on the subway when my bag of luggage slipped out of my hand and landed on an old scorned woman. I got the roast of the century, at this moment in time I learned the first lesson of many, “this place is not full of daisy's and dandelions, its filled with pokey roses and weeds with an acceptation of seeing a daisy or dandelion every once in awhile.” The dandelions look and smell nice but its being “stabbed” by the rose thorns that helps to build character. In addition to building character, I got a major ego check that I’m extremely thankful for. It made me realize that in the big apple you have to work 10 times harder to stand out due to the massive amounts of competition. The city has taught me to always stay on my toes and to listen continuously with open ears. I’ve explored level one to the floor plan of this “new home” and I’m anxious to make my way up the “flight of stairs” to experience level 2.

Day 2

St. Patricks Cathedral

My second day in New York was so eventful and fun! I started my day off with a short jog through central park. The park is beautiful and full of so much life; From the homeless people on the ground to the wealthy people having yoga classes, This place is extremely diverse to say the least. After sweating like a pig due to the humidity, I made my way into the touristy part of town where I ran into the Mr.Flawless Jewelry shop. If you aren't already familiar with what that is, it's a jewelry shop located on 6th Avenue. This shop sells some of the most extravagant jewelry I have ever laid eyes on. Flawless is a destination hub for many big time celebs, One in particular being Floyd Mayweather (Just to give you an idea of how nice the jewelry really is).

Skyline View

 I finished up my browsing session and headed to the St.Patricks Cathedral, This is where I met two turkish girls. Little did I know, these girls were crazy! After a short couple hours of hanging out, we were dumpster diving for fresh bread that the bakeries throw out on a daily basis. Crazy Right? You may be wondering why we were digging for trash instead of just buying a dollar slice of pizza and that is a question that not even I can answer. LOL. I decided to do a good deed and give all of my trash food to the homeless people on the streets. This was a win win for me because I didn't have to eat the food and because I got to help people out. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for life and made me feel good inside. I finshed off the night by going to Hoboken New Jersey to check out the skyline view and it was beautiful, thanks for reading. Next entry coming tomorrow :)

First Day

(Central Park)

Hello friends, Last night at about 9:30 I arrived in New York City. I rolled up with two bags and unlimited ambition. I was instantly inspired by the skyline lights that caught my eye just minutes prior to landing. My first thoughts being "This city is no joke." I was welcomed to the fast paced city by ACCIDENTALLY  dropping my bag on some dude in the subway and he was not happy about it at all. I turned red quickly as he started cussing me out in front of everyone sitting in the train. I didn't say much other than "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't mean for that to happen." For some random reason he was not pleased with my repeated response. He kept going on and on for about 15 minutes before I had to get off the bus. Was I scared? A little bit. I was most worried about becoming un-chained and losing my temper. Usually I try avoid confrontation and try my hardest to be a gentlemen when it comes to situations like these ones but I was right on the brink of fighting and arguing back (good thing I didn't).

(Dre)

I arrived to the residence that i'll be staying at for the next little while and it is GHETTO (BUT I LOVE IT). The building is located in the urban district of Spanish Harlem. I'm getting the full experience and I say that because there aren't many tourists hanging out in this part of town. I was walking out of my apartment right when I ran into 2 dudes. I decided to start a conversation so I said "How's it going?" and they replied with "You looking for any weed?" hah thats just how it works out here. I managed to spark up a conversation with these 2 while they smoked. The conversation spiraled into me being friends with them. Within the hour we were already at a little cafe eating a whole entire chicken. If that doesn't scream friendship I don't know what does ;) (FUN FACT: Dre grew up with ASAP ROCKY & ASAP FERG.). If there is one lesson that I have learned in the short 1 day of being here its that "people are willing to be your friend if you approach them in the right  manner." Im excited to keep writing about my journey. Next blog entry coming tomorrow:)