Born and raised in Compton, California, this gang-banging athlete has decided to make a change for the better. Choosing to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, he tells his story of growing up in “the hood” and the daily struggles that he encountered. His story is one worth listening to, somehow bringing light to the much negative view of being raised in such a hostile environment.
The first time this character shot someone was when he was 14 years old, and he’s currently enrolled at san jose state university. How does this match up? He says he worked hard to get where he is now in order to ensure a better life for him and his family. With football as his guidance and mother as his strength, this college kid is on his way to becoming everything that he’s aspired to be. He definitely had a rough start though, and it wasn’t an easy journey. Becoming a Crip requires initiation at a very young age- anonymous was went through the 7 rounds of getting beat up when he was just 10 years old. He didn’t really have a choice, it was more something you’re born into than decided to do.
With all of this under his belt, it is comforting to know that although there are people who derive from the lowest areas of society and life, they can still have the opportunity to success and making a life they never even imagined. Fortunately, he was highly supported among the other members of his gang, even though it meant he’d be leaving them at home while attaining his education. He went for his dreams and was able to reach his goal of being the first one in his family to go to college.
Since I couldn’t take any video of him in action or even talking, I instead made a slideshow of his tattoos and possessions that best symbolize him. His gang color is blue and most of the things he sports are this color. You can catch him cruising around campus on his bike or lounging outside, two of his favorite past times. He hopes to someday become a professional football player, but if that doesn’t work he wants to have a career in kinesiology. He story is inspirational, and if not a little scary, very motivating. If a person with an unfortunate background can rise above the obstacles and take the opportunity to better themselves, so can someone like me who has all the resources handed to them!
Taylor Torregano
Mcom 70
Dona Nicholas
