“Have you ever wanted to be a gangbanger?” That’s the question that kids in my neighborhood get all the time. Children in my apartment building didn’t know what to do with their lives so they thought joining the streets was a good idea to do something fun to kill their boredom. I used to live in downtown San Francisco, where all the tourists come and look at the heart of the city, but what they don’t know, is their surroundings. I lived in the bad part of the city, the Mission. It was a crowded apartment building, and as a kid, I couldn’t do much. School, homework, eat, sleep, and repeat. One day, my teacher asked me to join U.F. (United Family) so I could meet new people and have fun after school. My parents loved the idea. U.F. is connected with my elementary school, so my teachers knew what I was up to most of the time.

       Uncle Reed is the head of U.F. He always has his hair in cornrows, wears shirts that represents the city; San Francisco Giants, 49ers, Warriors, and especially United Family. He is also one of the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. The first time I met him, I was intimidated because his hair was longer than mine and he had grills. I thought of him as a mean person because of how he looked.
    
       He gave me a big hug and told me “Call me Uncle R because everyone here is family.”
       I said “ OK. Call me Cousin.” He laughed and introduced me to the rest of the program kids. After that hug I realized that I was wrong, he wasn’t such a mean person.

       As soon as I entered the room, they yelled “Welcome to U.F. !” I knew most of them because I went to school with them. It felt like home. The kids there are became like my brothers and sisters and the staff became like my uncles and aunts.  As I looked around the room, I saw brand new computers,  a new couch, game boards, pool table, and an art center. The program wasn’t just for fun, it was a place to keep kids out of the streets. I didn’t even know what the meaning of “the streets” meant. I thought everyone lived in a place like I did, where there was homeless people sleeping in every corner, or begging for change.

       Uncle R got me into doing charity work, and setting an example to younger kids by making me head leader of my class. Every 2 months, we would have a can food drive and donate to a charity around the city. Every weekend we try to help homeless people that live in the streets by having a conversation with them, and give them food like chips and juice boxes. I once gave some old clothes to a little girl that I barely knew. I was terrified of stepping out the U.F. headquarters because there’s a lot of commotion, smoking, and older guys asking me if I want candy or join their group.
      
       I lived near the U.F. headquarters and every Friday I would walk home alone or with some friends that lived in the same apartment building as I did. One day a homeless man came up to me and he thanked me. I didn’t know why he thanked me. He said that I gave his child an opportunity.
       I asked him, “Who is your child?”
       He said “Emily, you gave her your old clothes about 6 months ago, and now she goes to a public school.”
       I said, “Wow, I didn’t know that would help.” Uncle R came and asked what was going on. The man explained and Uncle R asked if he wanted to eat Blondie’s Pizza. I met Emily and his family. Emily had brown, curly hair. She looked healthier than the last time I saw her. One thing that made me really happy is that she wore the pants I gave her. I can tell she was very happy. She was quite though, she barely said a word during dinner. I was guessing she was hungry. We had a long conversation about how I should be thankful for an amazing life and for people who care about me. When we finished, we said our goodbyes. Emily thanked me one last time and gave a goodbye hug.

       Many kids in my neighborhood are still not safe, they’re not getting the education, and life they deserve. Maybe that’s how life is. I am very thankful for what I have, but mostly, I am very thankful for Uncle Reed. Without his program, I could be where he was in high school. His words of wisdom and hope stick to me like a person following me constantly to remind me to do my best each and every day. I will still strive to do my greatest and hopefully save a kid, like he saved me.