As we are moving along in class, we are reading Ishmael Beah. Reading this novel is making people think that they are surprised that he is still alive. He went through a lot of violent acts in his childhood and people may say he is lucky to be alive. In that case, people could say the same for me because i grew up in a lot of rough neighborhoods. Growing up i witnessed shootouts, drive-by shootings, and know people that committed suicide. My uncle got killed by the police and a lot of my family is locked up in jail or prison. Seeing this in my life since i was in elementary, makes me not want to trust people and has my awareness up at a maximum. I am now in college trying to make something of my self that they didn't and am going to.