News stories and reality shows are filled with stories of drugs and drug dealers. Growing up in Detroit exposed me to the reality of the drug world. Young men fighting to protect drug territory. My corner, your corner. My customers, your customers. The fighting brought violence and the violence brought death. So many young people dying to make a dollar the easy way, but the easy way isn’t so easy. Constantly watching your back is never easy. So, why is it many people are willing to die for this?
The American Dream is a dream of success, fame and wealth. Sure, these street pharmacists may be famous, but it’s for all the wrong reasons. They are usually famous after they die or go to prison. Successful? No. Wealthy? Sure, but only for a short time. It doesn’t last long before one faces death or prison. The sadness lasts forever because the innocent family members suffer for a lifetime.
No money in the world is worth the pain that drugs cause. Sure, it may seem like quick and easy money, but it’s not. Quick money to me would be waiting on a few tables to earn a little cash. Or, having a garage sale or eBay auction. That’s quick money, why not try that?
Every time I see a young guy drive by in a pimped out ride wearing the Jordans and gold bling, I think to myself, “If he was as passionate about an education and career as he is about making that quick, illegal money, he’d be doing well.” Why is it that all the hard work goes into making that money when money can be made by doing the right thing?
Doctors make lots of money. Athletes make it big. Actors are rich. This is what young people should be dreaming of. They should be dreaming of a future. They should be working towards a long, happy life.
As adults and teachers, we must be sure to motivate our young people. We must guide them to be their very best and encourage them with positive words and examples. Hard work and determination equals positive results.
“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” Theodore I. Rubin
Author: Rhonda Gutierrez
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