Growing-up, I saw a lot of problems in the streets and schools; while going to school and coming from school. In big cities, I know students live rougher than smaller cities. It's hard for 7th and 8th graders and teens overcome some of the peer pressures they face.

I'm a witness to these pressures: drugs, sex, gangs and unstable homes, these are the norm. Even now it's hard to overcome these challenges that kids face today. To overcome as you grow up and realize there's no future for losers, you stop and think, Where am I going? Where will I be in 5 years? Will I graduate from school? Am I going to college? How am I being affected by my surroundings? What can I do and what will I do to change my course from failure to success? I didn't know how short life was until now.