This senior asked me to help him with Biology since I already passed the regents last year. I agreed and we met in the science room after school. I turned on the light bulb above his head on several topics. We shook hands that if I helped him with Biology, he will help me with Basketball. When we were done, we walked back to the dorms together. A long walk indeed. He asked me if I was having any problems and I said no. He looked a bit surprised. He then told me his experience when he first arrived. He was extremely oral like me and knew no sign. He was 15 years young at the time. Everyone hated him, some still do now. He never played basketball before, 'like you', he added with serious eyes and a dark finger pointing at my chest. He claimed that he was a violent person. He used to hate white people, 'but I love them now!' he laughed. He had a tough time. Now he's the star of the sport teams. He can be found in the newspaper. He told me 'You know you could do the same things I've done?'. He told me to work hard. He opened up to me so I opened up to him. He inspired me. December 10, 2009