"OMG you too Ms. Imani?

You see I... I thought I was the only"

Thats what this young girl said to me

as she glared at me

no longer feeling lonely.

"I mean i've tried counseling before

it isn't my first time at this place

but talking to Mrs. Upper class two parent supportive home

I knew she couldn't relate.

You see Ms.Imani, You get me

on a deeper level than just empathy.

It's like we've did the same dance,

but just in different shoes,

daddy in jail,

mom stressed out,

friends shot dead on the news.

Ms Imani you've approached the same type hurdles

and still soared past the finish line.

Coming here today not only got negatives off my chest,

but it put positives in my mind.

You've inspired me to be more than what statistics predict

and yet not to forget where i've come from.

To not just hear of people succeeding,

You've reassured that I can become one.

This is the first time I feel I can be all I can be.

......Well...

except for those join the ARMY commercials on TV."

I laughed, nodded my head and smiled,

This type of response is what makes all my hardwork worthwhile.

That job in the summer, working with the youth,

made it all now meaningful,

and this young girl here is proof!