I AM
My name is Rickey and I am a 17 year old black kid
I am Americas worst nightmare and my familys pride and joy
I am optimistic in spite of all obstacles I face growing up in todays society
I am determined not to be another statistic dead or in jail before I can register to vote
I am fearless in trying but fearful of letting my family down
I am a big brother to a 13year old little sister Jada who looks up to me
I am a young man with a plan and the only way I will fail is if I stop trying
I am frustrated that my skin is my sin and college will never prepare me for that lifetime stigma
I am determined to graduate college and start on a journey filled with roundabouts
I am wonderfully made in Gods site regardless of how they see me
I am a product of my environment that my family kept sheltered becaue of their dreams for me
I am my mothers son
I am a product of divorced parents
I am forced to grow up fast because social media gives me an uneditied education
I am insecure at times because I want to beat the odds already stacked against me
I am still however proud of who I am