" Growing up in the projects"

As a young woman, I have learned alot, seen alot and experienced alot growing up in the projects. I can honestly say , I would not change a thing about it. Why?  because I have learned what it means to be alert, how to protect myself and survive amongst the trouble around me. It took me a little while, to realize that just because I grew up in the project development does not make me less than any oyther person. I will not become the product of my envireonment. What I will do is become a "great product" out of my envireonment. I have seen fist fights, experienced being a part of a shootout and even been in a fight. However, I have continued to excel, despite the minor bumps I have come across. It's true, you do have to be strong in the mind, and be a leader, and it is hard. Whoever may not have experienced this , wont understand the feeling of "entrapment" or be able to relate to it, but from my heart to yours, I say that it is no easy road, but I will paint my vision through the words on this paper, and I hope it will- "inspire you". Most people call it the "hard knock life", but you know what I call it a "gift" and a "curse". The reason why I refer to it as a "gift " is because of the great people from all walks of life that live around each other and we all share that struggle. The "curse" is, trying to understand how can people from other countries understand us? We all encounter physical and mental pain in our lives, but how can we come together? We are all different in our own way, no matter what color or race you may be, we all strive to "make it" and be "successful". I look at it this way; We all experience grief at some point in our lives.There is a time when we all cry, laugh and even bleed in our lives. The main point I want to get across to you, is that no matter where you came from, it does not- "define who you are or your destiny". What I posses is a "backbone" and "common sense" as a result of growing up in the projects. I did not have everything, but I was given exactly what I needed, by being blessed with two great parents that did not get "high" or "drink", and chose to be hardworking parents to provide for me.I thank God for allowing me to be given two parents that always did their best to "provide" for me and raise me with "morals' and to have "respect" for my elders. I know some of the smartest and most talented people who come from the projects, and I am one example of that. I hope anyone who reads this, understand that poverty does not mean less, but brings you to a level of humbleness, greatfulness and an undeniable desire to-"achieve the impossible". When you face poverty, you appreciate the small things in life and no matter what happens,you know that with determination, even from the projects you can be an "inspiration" to anyone in the world. All it takes , is just a little bit of "faith".