Seeing how differently each of us saw the city, and how different the places were that we each came from, we decided to head down State Street with a camera and an audio recorder to take down other people’s impression of Hoop City, and what it meant to them. Here are there stories.

Nastasha Medson throws away her notebooks. She doesn’t need to keep them. She has her poems memorized.

“I write about what goes around, love in general,” said Mendson, a freshman at Springfield’s High School of Commerce.

Her poems are idealistic, she said.

“Writing is everything to me. I’ve always been a writer since middle school. I started off with a diary then traded it for a notebook,” she said.

Mendson writes more than just poems though, journals too – whatever the occasion calls for. She remembered the feeling of a new notebook – which she said she fills fast – and journaling in it after the first day of school.

She said she writes to be heard, but has never shown her poems or writing to anybody.

“That’s why I came to the Journalism Club. I want to go somewhere, I want people to do something. I just want people to hear me.”

  Staff writer: Emonie Jones

 “She is a kind sweet person, very thoughtful and caring. She is somebody I think I can depend on,” says Mrs. Camera, a Commerce Drama teacher.

Mrs. Thompson O’Neil attended Springfield Technical Community College, Westfield State, American International College and Elms College. These schools allowed her to be in the successful position that she is in today. She is currently a history and psychology teacher at The High School of Commerce. She has received many certificates and degrees after completing all of her college courses. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, a post baccalaureate degree, teacher certification in history and a Master’s of Education. Mrs. Thompson has been working in the Springfield Public Schools for seven years.

Mrs. Thompson was interested in both psychology and history because they deal with social science and how humans interact. Psychology is a foundation for many things and she was very interested in human behavior. They both deal with social science and how humans interact.

“I really like working with kids and helping them grow intellectually,” Thompson said. Her desire to do so motivated her to become a teacher. Every day she comes to work, she is inspired by her students. “I actually learn from them as well,” she admitted. Mrs. Thompson was motivated by her eleventh grade English teacher whose name she cannot recall. She was also encouraged by her fourth grade teacher, Ms. Neal, at Holy Name. “She was kind and warm- hearted.” Thompson feels that she incorporated that characteristic into the way she interacts with her students.

“Because we have two students in her class we have more of an advantage than her other classes and we have more personal time,” student Chloe Fraco says.

She is an easy person to get along with and liked among many students and teachers. “I can’t think of anybody who does not like her,” Mrs. Camera expressed.

“She is hard working, intelligent and has beautiful teaching,” Myra Sherman says, a student in Thompson-Oneil’s US History II class and also her psychology class. She loves teaching her students new things every day and helping them become more knowledgeable. She also likes to open up and improve their understanding.

“She does a good job at explaining things. I think that is what she does best. When we have a test or a paper to do she helps us a lot,” says Franco, a student of her IB psychology II class.

The school environment of Commerce has improved since the beginning of Mrs. Thompson’s teaching experience. “The culture of the school is much better.” She stated that she gets along with her colleagues very well and likes them very much. Mrs. Thompson has a very positive attitude towards her job as a teacher, impacting her in a very important way. “I like it because my work has a purpose and it gives me a purpose,” Mrs. Thompson says in a joyful tone.

Throughout her seven years as a teacher she has developed a strong level of professionalism and confidence that she says, “took time to build.” Whenever she comes to work she enters with the goal of impacting her students in the most positive way she can.

“She interacts very well with her students. She is professional, but kind,” says Mrs. Camara.

“She is really nice, and she is funny. She is the type of teacher you can joke around with,” Chloe says.

She loves children and always recognized the importance of building a relationship with her students. She feels like it is very important because students need to trust and have respect for you. “And that will keep them motivated to work in your class,” Thompson says. Her motto is; if you want respect from them you need to show them respect. She believes in modeling the behavior she expects from her students.

“I would recommend her to other schools,” says Mrs. Camera.

“I think her teaching skills are good and she is very good at explaining things. I think she is a good teacher. She is the type of teacher that when you need help she will give you one on one,” says Chloe.

Mrs. Thompson hopes every day that her teaching will have an impact on her students, especially since she teaches psychology and history. “I hope that students will leave here more knowledgeable and I hope that knowledge about the world and human behavior will benefit them in the future emotionally, socially, and intellectually.”

It is her duty to teach and educate each individual and to be a model for her students. “I will give Mrs. Thompson an A for her effort,” Myra says. She makes her students feel good about coming to class and makes them feel very comfortable and relaxed. “I like her class. Even though it is IB.  It is not hard and I don’t dread going,” says Chloe.

Many teachers have expectations for their students so they can be the best all around.  She expects for her students to be responsible and have a good work ethic. She also expects them to ask her or let her know when they do not understand. “Students know that they can feel comfortable to ask questions in my class.” She encourages her students to ask questions and if they do not she will be asking them if they have any. Mrs. Thompson does not feel like she expects too much from her students. She just demands that they work at a pace that is most effective for them.

“She expects the best from everybody because she wants everybody to exceed in life,” says Myra.

When students do not always live up to her expectations she has to reflect on her own teaching and alter how she teaches something. “I also have to take into account any social or emotional situations students are having that might reflect their learning in class.”

The most rewarding thing to her about her job is being able to build relationships with her students. She also tries to give them advice when she can and hopefully push them in the right direction.

“I have built a relationship with Mrs. Thompson, especially because it’s only two students in her class. I got to form more of a personal relationship. Plus she loves me,” Chloe says as she giggles.

She loves to meet the needs of her students in and outside of school. “I hope that students would consider me a role model because I model the behavior I expect from them.”

Nobody is perfect so there is always going to be problems and there will be frustrating times, even as a teacher. Mrs. Thompson sometimes feels that there is a lot to do and not much time to do it in. Thompson said that every year there is some sort of new program that they (teachers) are expected to adopt and then the next year they throw away and something new gets tossed at them. She finds her job difficult at times when it comes to planning lessons to meet the needs of her students. The most difficult moment was her first year teaching because it was still new to her and she did not have the confidence she has today. “It was a learning process I had to go through.”

Despite these problems and struggles, “I have never gotten tired of my job. I have frustrating days but I never gotten to the point where I feel like I am tired of it,” she says with a lot of emotion.

“I really like my students. I think we have some great students at the High School of Commerce. They are really nice kids,” Mrs. Thompson expressed in a compassionate manner. The most rewarding moment at Commerce is watching her students grow, and maturing intellectually.  She likes spending time with her students and cherishing the moments and memories her students leave with her.

“We have a lot of good times with Mrs. Thompson, especially when she makes us laugh,” Chloe says.

In her time being at Commerce there are memories she has cherished, one them was the time WGBY filmed her lesson. Her students were able to participate, be seen on a documentary, and online.

Every job has a next level.  As of right now, Mrs. Thompson feels teaching is most rewarding. “It is possible that I might be interested in being an instructional leader or a school psychologist.”

She is recommended among many. “They are lucky to have her,” says Mr. Nagle.

Her goals as a teacher are to always reflect on her teaching and to make her teaching better. “There have been instances where I been able to reflect on my teaching by changing my lessons and how I teach when students do not understand.”

Other than her teaching she has also been a caring and considerate person when students have needed her. She is always there for her students and has reached out to many of them. There are multiple ways to describe her; the best way is, “she’s got the whole package” says Mr. Nagle. She has taught all of her students something, whether it was school related or something that will help make you a better person.

“She has taught me not to let things get to me,” says Myra.

She loves all of her students and hopes for nothing but the best for their lives.

Ashley Ortiz

emotional abuse

Children from abusive homes may look perfectly fine to the outside world, but on the inside they are in terrible pain. Family violence can create a home environment in which children may feel threatened and have to live in constant fear. No one should have to live in fear of the person they love.

Domestic abuse is also referred to as: spousal abuse, battering, family violence, or intimate partner violence (IPV). It occurs when one person in a relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person.

Domestic violence is a combination of physical and emotional abuse. Domestic violence and abuse does not discriminate. They occur amongst every one of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. Emotional and psychological trauma are more severe than the physical toll of abuse. They leave long-lasting scars that can never be erased. Emotional abuse is sometimes overlooked, excused, or denied by the victim.

Gabriele Nieves knows what it is like to live in an abusive home. He was neglected by his stepfather and went through lots of abuse. “I felt like a house slave,” he said.

The thought of going home made him feel nervous and anxious, which led to depression. School became hard for him once The Department of Children and Families (DCF) started coming to the school. It took him years of therapy and communicating with his friends to get over these experiences. Boxing, basketball, and biking became a way for him to relieve his stress.

An article entitled, How Domestic Violence Effects Kids by Kara Tamanini, shows that around 3.3 million children from ages 3-17 witness domestic violence in the United States. Another article, Ten Alarming Domestic Violence Statistics in the Makers of Memories blog post says, “63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder kill the man who was abusing their mother.”

These experiences with domestic violence impacts how a child develops emotionally, socially, behaviorally, and as well as cognitively. The emotional and behavior developments can increase the aggressiveness and anxiety the child has toward others. Many of these children also experience abrupt changes in home, schools, and parental separation.

In some cases the abuser would purposely abuse the mother or father to cause a ripple effect. A ripple effect causes the surrounding people to be affected and causes the event to be repeated. A child seeing their mother being abused can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in a psychological trauma. These traumatic experiences can lead to depression and self-esteem issues.

John Smith (named changed for privacy purposes) also had to experience home abuse. The person that takes care of John had to experience domestic abuse and as time passed by this is all they had learned. Therefore, they put their children through the same situation. The thought of running away crossed his mind but he didn’t have the courage considering that he wasn’t old enough to decide where he wanted to live. “My cousins showed me how to grow up on my own because no one was going to fight my battles which was good in the long run, but my cousins weren’t the best role models.” He said.

He enjoyed shoplifting, destroying people’s property and making people’s life miserable for his own laughter. However, as years passed by he had his mind set to going to college this way he can get out of his house especially because music became a way for him to vent his emotions.

Some chronic health conditions that have been linked to victims of domestic violence are arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic pain, pelvic pain, ulcers, and migraines. IBS is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and cramping it is caused by anxiety or depression. Ulcer is a discontinuity of the skin or a break in the skin that stops it from continuing its normal functions.

These children are not to blame for errors that adults have made yet they seem to be being punished for something they had no control over. Sometimes sitting alone in your room isn’t enough for a child to drown out their problems and fears. Mr.Cirincione, a staff member at the high school of Commerce said, “I do not like being around people who are always depressed.”

However, these people need the attention. affection, and approval that their parents have denied them. Their mother is struggling to survive and the father is too consumed in controlling everyone this causes the child to become abandoned physically,emotionally and psychologically. Therefore, they need the presence of an adult who can provide the help and encouragement to keep them from getting into a deeper depression.

Statistics at http://domesticviolencestatistics.org/ say, “Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help”. There are many people who are living in a secret war in which they are forced to try to survive. Places such as: YWCA Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Unit (DVSA) and the Baystate Family Advocacy Center (BFAC) are programs designed to meet the needs of children, women, or families by domestic violence. We shouldn’t let these children go through all this pain and suffering.

]]> http://thecommercewire.com/2012/03/28/through-a-childs-eyes/feed/ 0 http://thecommercewire.com/2012/03/28/the-loss-of-common-courtesies/ http://thecommercewire.com/2012/03/28/the-loss-of-common-courtesies/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:58:04 +0000 The Commerce Wire http://thecommercewire.com/?p=556 By Staff Writer

Meghan Provost

courtesy

In the 1920’s, set rules and courtesies were abided by and respected. Things like table manners were programmed into brains like breathing. Today, simple words like “please” and “thank you” are hard to come by, and not as automatic as they used to be. Now, with the start of the New Year, things have drastically changed. Some people think manners are a waste of time in such a “dog-eat-dog” world.

Such important social musts have eluded today’s generation of teens and young adults. Simple tasks such as using a trash can rather than some ones yard for garbage have become too difficult for some. Even in public schools, rude behaviors like “line jumping” are an everyday occurrence. Even teachers are cut by students. Mrs. Wallace, a teacher for 30 years, has experienced this rude behavior. “I was in the nacho line, and some student cut me. I told him ‘I think I was here before you.’ He looked at me and said ‘So?’”

Ms. Daley, a teacher of 12 years at the High School of Commerce, has also noticed the decline in respect and manners. “I think it’s social media,” she says, “Kids go to bed with their cell phones and laptops now.” Mrs. Wallace has seen the change, too. “There’s been a huge change in their language [profanity,] and there’s so much of that [swearing.]”

Teachers aren’t the only ones who feel that things have changed. Matthew LaValley, a senior at Commerce, recognizes the change, but also knows that learning manners may not be so simple.

“I think people became more nonchalant with respect because times have changed and people have evolved into these less strict upbringings. If people want to learn, they can, but a lot of them don’t want to put in the effort.”

“Kids are able to change, but choose not to,” Wallace agrees.

But where should these courtesies be learned? Some people feel that it is the parents’ obligation to instill these morals in their child, while others feel school is the place to learn them. Abel Reyes, another senior, was raised in a home where they came naturally. “They [my parents] weren’t strict about it, but I picked it up.”

Mrs. Wallace, a mother of two girls, raised her children properly. Even as adults, they still use courtesies. “The parents should be responsible,” she notes.

Today I witnessed disrespectful behavior in action, and surprisingly, to Mrs. Wallace. I was working on a research paper, and loud yells and swearing came from outside her door, which is in the same hallway as the cafeteria. Mrs. Wallace opened the door, and politely asked them to leave. She was answered with swearing, and no response to her simple request. Five minutes later, Wallace asked them once more to leave, or she would have to call an administrator. Five minutes after that, she told the rambunctious teenagers to not hang out near her room. As they walked away, the girl shouted “I don’t (Bleep) care!

Teenagers and young adults are deteriorating when it comes to manners and respect. As peers, there is only so much we can do. Reminding others about “please” every now and then wouldn’t hurt. Not line jumping when your friends all do it is helpful. Peers cannot battle this issue alone, though. Parents need to be more involved, and use their authority to punish such rude behaviors. Teachers need to be stricter. This issue is not going to fix itself.

Emonie Jones

Graduation

Nowadays, high school seniors struggle with daily pressure throughout their last year of high school. If it is not one thing it is another. “Sometimes I feel that teachers put a lot of pressures on students because I am a senior and I have to do school work but on top of that I have to take care of college work too” Chloe Franco explains. The pressures of school work are compounded by the responsibilities students take on outside of school. It seems like teachers do not understand that. Weighing out different tasks and reading through ‘to-do list,’ then trying to choose which one to do first and which feels more important, can be a lot of pressure for seniors.

Being a senior, not just at Commerce but at any high school, puts a lot of pressure on individuals. When I first walked through the doors my senior year I felt like, “Oh yeah this year is going to go by fast and easy.” Then I had a rude awakening and realized it was the beginning of my senior year and that is when most of the stress comes in.

Many students deal with the responsibility of completing all their work in a timely manner. In order to be successful one has to put work before pleasure. ”There were times where I just wanted to hang out but I knew school comes first and then I can with my friends” Chloe stated. For me, engagements have come up when I just wanted to relax, but with much encouragement I than knew I had to step up and take care of what I had to do even if I did not feel like doing it. There comes a point in life where individuals have to look beyond self and consider what is most important; for seniors the time is now.

Slacking may also be a factor. “My pressure is stress because of slacking but I do what I got to do” Whitney Serrano admits. I have heard and now I realize you are supposed to put your all into what you do no matter what it is. Many seniors do not put their heart into their work just doing enough to breeze by. Some feel that as long as they are passing than that is all that matters, not thinking about the future but just the here and now. Many seniors think because it senior year they can begin to slack. ”I regret it because I know I could be better if I tried harder” Whitney says. But what must be kept in mind is as the work slacks it decreases the grade, therefore putting them in danger of not being accepted to a college of their choice. ”The grades that I needed I didn’t get having to go to my safe school rather than the school of my choice. I regret it because my lack of sleep from staying up late catching up on school work caused me to come to school late. It also caused me to disappoint my family” Dayvon says. Many high school senior athletes just work for a grade good enough to keep them on the team which is not enough. “I found myself doing this. Sometimes the hype of being a senior got to me and I lost track in doing my work and my grades begin to slip” Dayvon Williams said. It affects them in the future because it is not just the sports that count but the academics and the grades they have worked hard for. If I can do something over my senior year I would do all my work on time and do what I need to do to start off my year fresh” Dayvon says. They love a good athlete that’s why they send scouts out, but the grades are what get a person into the school. It does not matter how good of a player you are but if your grades does not meet their academic requirement you will not be able to get into that specific school.

The SAT is something that most seniors do not care for but in most four year colleges it is required. “They are long and boring but for a good cause” Whitney explained. SATs are standardized test for college admission that students take in their junior and senior year. It is intended to asses a student’s readiness for college although many people do not agree with the test. They are not fair because some people have their good days and some people have their bad days, and some are not good at taking test” she felt. It can be stressful not knowing exactly what material to study and how to take the test. Everyone hopes for a good grade so they can have a good placement in college and eventually a good career.

Being a senior can be nerve-racking because if a senior is planning on furthering their education, not only do they need to keep up with their high school work, they also have to complete the college application process, which for some is often the most stressful part. “It was really stressful and complicated because it’s a lot of work that you have to do. Even though I had people helping me I didn’t get as much help that I needed” Chloe said. A lot of stress is caused by procrastination. People sometimes think they have more time than they actually have then the deadline approaches and they are forced to rush. ”I procrastinated and it caused me to become stressed because I didn’t think I was going to get it done on time” Whitney says. When people rush they are not able to do the proper research and may feel unsatisfied with their outcome knowing they could have done better.

Even for some seniors who are working hard to get into a college money can be the real issue. Some may have a hard time coming up with the money, applying for scholarships, or receiving loans and grants. “Money is a problem for me getting into college because I have sister going to college in California and my mom has to pay for her food and stuff because she lives off campus. Being a senior on top of that I have to pay for my cap and gown, class field trip, yearbook, prom dress, etc.” Chloe says. Sometimes even scholarships are not enough and people may not realize the work that goes into applying for them. Money can keep even the most smartest of smart and intelligent student from attending college.

For seniors who do not plan on pursuing a higher level education must plan an alternative route. They are often forced to get a job, and usually a job without education is not enough. Many do not notice or realize how much education is important until they have a job where they can hardly support themselves, let alone a family.

So the pressures of being a senior are very complicated but with much focus and keeping minds maintained on the tasks set ahead success can be achieved

Emonie Jones

LYMPHEDEMA

“Every day, life is a gift. The ability to awake, get out of bed, bathe and get dressed, eat breakfast and be on your way is a blessing from God,” says Debra Griffin.

Far too many people take the ability to care for themselves, and the energy that comes with life, making it possible to accomplish everyday activities, for granted. “I was guilty of the same,” says Debra. Until being diagnosed with lymphedema in 1998.

Debra explains, “This is a life altering experience.” Lymphedema is an accumulation of the lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling primarily in the arms and legs. It usually occurs after a surgery or major trauma, or the lymph vessels can become obstructed. “The last stage is what happened to me.” Lymphedema can also accumulate to the point where it can cause so much swelling, it runs out of room and therefore will find a place to settle and become hardened, which leads to a mass or tumor and would thereby need removing.

Debra states, “I lived every day as normal healthy young woman never being sick other than having my tonsils out at the age of seven. Suddenly I noticed swelling in my legs that would not go away. Over the counter water pills was not the answer. I then went in search of doctors who might be able to explain what was going on with my body and could explain the “mass” that was present.

What is it like living with lymphedema? “Every day is a struggle to get through. Because of the swelling, pain is present almost 24/7. Getting out of bed is a chore alone. Lymphedema slows the mobility, making it impossible to complete everyday activities. Schedules must be prepared days ahead, so that your body will be rested enough to face the challenges of getting what needs to be done, done,” she says with a smile, “It’s almost like tricking your mind.”

Spur of the moment adventures are not the best for people with this condition. Lymphedema can also cause depression when reality sets in and you realize, “I am no longer the person I once was, and may never be again” Going from one extreme to another. “Normal to Disabled,” she specified.

Lymphedema is not subjected to a certain type of person, anyone can become a victim. A person can be well today and stricken the next. One person can grow up with the outward evidence of the disease, while another can grow up normal and in adulthood began to show signs, or become injured and lymphedema will occur.

This disease changes lives forever. Debra admits, “You must be a very strong person with a strong will to survive, because at times it can become very embarrassing, causing people to stop and stare. “By God’s grace I made it this far.” If I there was one thing she could leave with someone going through this situation it is “Never, ever give up. Where there is God, there is hope and where there’s hope, there is strength, and where there is strength, there is achievement, and where there is achievement, there is success. We are all winners!”

Emonie Jones

Grandson

Charles A Grandson was born and raised in Washington, D.C. “The city reminds me a lot of Springfield, the neighborhood was not the safest but I knew the right thing to do,” says Mr. Grandson.

He is the baby of his family, with one bother and three sisters. He attended Amidon Elementary School and Frances High School, both public schools in D.C. In his district and school, high school started at 10^th grade. He also attended Gonzaga College High, which was a Catholic school. Grandson furthered his education at Boston College, receiving his BA in history and a Master’s in Education.

Unlike many students today, Mr. Grandson enjoyed going to school. “The things that interested me the most are the clubs and activities,” Mr. Grandson said. In 8^th and 9^th grade he took on many responsibilities, including presiding over both student government and the foreign language club.

He was a very active young man. He played basketball and football. “That’s when my eyes opened up to leadership,” says Grandson. “I don’t think I was a hard person to get along with but my friends thought I was always serious, but that’s just how my face looked.”

He looked up to many positive older people. “I had great mentors in elementary school and throughout high school who were lawyers. I was always the kid who liked to spend a lot of time with adults because I liked to learn from them,” he says. For him, peer pressure was not a problem. “I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drums, so it was difficult to follow peer pressure.”

Mr. Grandson started working at 12 years-old. “I enjoyed working as a clerk at D.C. General Hospital.” The best job that he ever had was working as a youth investigator for the Department of Health. His job was to go into stores and try to purchase cigarettes at the age of 16. If they sold the cigarettes to him the store would get a ticket. “This allowed me to do something for the community while making money,” he stated.

One of his major life experiences was being a student activist at Boston College; there he organized a lot of protests on campus. The purpose of that was to challenge the university to treat people of color better. He mentored young men and women through the debate team and cheerleading. He met President Clinton when he was elected youth Mayor. “I think what ties them all together is that it made me realize my duty to serve people and an importance of carrying the torch that was passed on to the next generation of leaders,” Mr. Grandson said.

He considers himself to be a leader and a follower. “Every leader must follow and every follower must lead,” Grandson believes. He believes that if everyone in the school acted as if they were a leader in some small way, then things could improve faster.

“Struggling to pay for school taught me a lot about taking responsibility for my own well-being.” He had some bad life experiences, but he learned from them and acted in a positive way.

Mr. Grandson has high expectations and many goals for The High School of Commerce. “My intentions are for it to be viewed as the #1 high school in Springfield. And beyond that, for it to get national recognition for the IB program. I expect everyone to step it up and to do something different than they’ve done in the past.”

He sees lots of potential in Commerce students and believes that success is possible. That’s why he chose to take the job here at Commerce. “I think all the right ingredients for a successful school are present, it’s a matter of aligning things in the right direction.”

Mr. Grandson also has a well-developed plan of action to make this school a better place, which will help each individual realize their potential. “It’s sort of like that Michael Jackson song ‘Man in the Mirror’. If everyone thought that way about things to change, it will change the way they think, it will change their actions.”

Principal Grandson is determined to take the negative views that people have on Commerce and turn them into positive views. “I think it gets a lot of negative attention. It’s up to us and everyone to be a sales person to talk about all the good things at Commerce. We can’t do it unless we change our own mindset.”

Our new principal is a very determined person with a stable mindset. He has no second thoughts about taking this job here at Commerce. “When I make up my mind about something I am pretty determined.”

What he believes needs improvement is consistency. He is encouraging students and teachers to stick to the changes they make and wants, everyone to believe that, “what happens from bell to bell is sacred.”

In his short stay here at Commerce, Grandson stated, “I do see a growth in the halls. They are now cleared. Students are wearing uniforms, attendance is up and teachers and students have the courage to imagine a difference in Commerce.” Mr. Grandson truly believes that this school can be successful. We are the new Commerce!

Emonie Jones

violence

Everyone would like to be safe to walk in their neighborhood or even around town, but not everyone can be safe. Violence in the Hill McKnight keeps me and a lot of my surrounding neighbors on edge.

Walking in the day should not be too bad, but living in my neighborhood it does not matter. Day is as problematic as night. Even though we walk, we have to stay on guard of what could happen. It is very frightening to know that whether you are involved with violence or not, violence has no respect of persons, and a bullet does not bear a name. Despite ones innocence no one is guaranteed safety.

The summer bears many terrifying days and nights. From my house it seems like gun shots are heard from every angle, with the media often confirming that another person has lost their life. Many people have been shot very close to some of my family member’s homes. Bullets have even have gone through some of their homes. Sadly, some people have ended up on the floor because of shootouts surrounding their environments. I have even lost family members due to violence. It is all too sad.

It’s not easy at all living within the realms of violence, but with God all things are possible. Though there are times when it may be very scary to walk through the neighborhood, every step taken can be reassured with the knowledge that it is God protecting me. There are a few people in my neighborhood that attend the same church I attend. I feel that by being in church and having God in our life keeps a barrier around us and protects us from the crime and violence on the outside.

I cannot speak on behalf of others; I can only speak of the terrorizing feeling I have to deal with knowing that I live almost in the center of violence. I pray that our city can pull together and put the violence to an end. Springfield is one of the highest rated cities on violence and crimes. We are ranked the 12th most dangerous city per capita in the US. There has to be a solution. If everyone can brainstorm and work ideas together, hopefully a solution will rise.

Mrs. Latricia Winters has lived in the McKnight neighborhood for 17yrs and while being there she has experienced a lot of violent things. Over the course of time she has seen the neighborhood go through so many changes. She says, “I have been in the same neighborhood for the past 17 yrs. Upon moving here, I would love to take nice long walks in the evening just to enjoy the breeze, but for the past few years all that has changed. I can longer walk with ease, because the violence has been so severe. If I do walk it is no longer with ease. My walks now if any, are wondering if any fighting will break out. I worry about my boys going outside or even to the park and field that is by my house, because when a riot starts it, does not matter who or what is in the mix, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time things happen.

I look at the gangs and the sad part about it is a lot of the young men are guys that grew up in this same neighborhood, but somehow was won over to the violence.

How has it affected me? Um…, I would say it keeps me with my eyes opened and on my guard at all times. When I walk I walk with a purpose, and that is to make it to my destination safe. When I pray, not only do I pray for me and my family. I pray for world peace. I pray for the healing of the surrounding violence.”

Mrs. Yvette Grimes is also a resident of the McKnight district. She has walked on egg shells, feeling very unsafe in her neighborhood numerous of times. She even felt scared her boys would soon be gone due to the violence. She stated “I live in the apartment on the corner. So many, many, times I would be in the midst of gunshots. I even had a bullet to come through my apartment. That was an awful experience, and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.

There were many times I would hear the shots and would have to go down on my knees in fear of being hit. That is no way for a person to live. I am very familiar with many of the young men involved in the violence. Having three boys, I was apt to have trouble along with it. Many of son’s friends didn’t make it because of violence. There were also a few of them who were shot. They didn’t die, but they lost their ability to walk and care for themselves. This was all too sad.

I lived in fear, praying that my boys would not end up in the same position. Even though they were blessed not to be harmed, they seemed to surround the violence, befriending some of the people involved. I always felt like sooner or later the bell would ring, and it would be a police telling me one of my babies were gone. But, thanks to God, they are all alive! Even though a couple of them had to end up in jail before they would know it was not worth hanging with the wrong crowd, I always say jail saved their life.

The violence has made me aware that it could be anyone’s child. I taught my children well. They were brought up in church and yet they ended up doing the very things they were taught to stay away from. So, it has taught me not to look down and say, he or she is so bad, but to realize he or she may have made the wrong choices. Even though I still live in the same apartment, I am okay. I am very careful when I go out and I never cease to pray for God’s protection.”

Jasmine Davis

Today there is much controversy over whether or not marijuana should be considered illegal or not throughout the United States. It is only medically legal today in 15 states, not including Massachusetts. Just the past year New Jersey and DC legalized it for medical uses. Although it is only prescribed for medical reasons there are many who use it day to day just for their own pleasure.

Marijuana as well as other drugs have been illegal for almost 100 years now. It was banned in 1937 and since then over 20 million Americans have been arrested and incarcerated off of marijuana crimes. It is said to be the most common drug in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that state laws that allow medical marijuana cannot overrule federal laws that prohibit it.

According to an article on how marijuana became illegal on brucealanblokc.com, the very first attempts to make it illegal were in 1914 with the Harrison Act. It was an act that began with taxing cocaine and opiates. The federal government was trying to prohibit people from using it and figured that by taxing the drug it would be harder to acquire. After the Harrison Act was established, medical doctors argued that marijuana gave the “negroes super powers” and led them to rebel against their white owners.

In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use.”.

According to medicalmarijuana.proscons.org, those that support marijuana legalization argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other conditions.

Those that oppose the idea argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA-approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They say marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain.

In 2009, after the United States plummeted into a recession, President Barack Obama talked about the legal matters of marijuana. The question purposed to him, was whether or not legalizing marijuana would help the economy and pay back the war damages. According to cbnnews.com, the President answered by saying, “The answer is, no, I don’t think that it is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

That same year, a CBS News poll showed that 38 percent of Americans favor legalizing and taxing marijuana, while 58 percent want it kept illegal. “I’m not a smoker but I feel marijuana should be legal in American. Just for the simple fact that America is freedom of expression,” says Max Sullivan.

Brittany Jenkins commented by saying, “For medical stuff it should be legal because it can help like the pains go away, but like for teenagers I don’t think they should be smoking marijuana.”

In my opinion marijuana should be illegal. For someone who knows the risks and consequences of using it, I wouldn’t recommend it for a medical reason or anything of that nature. There is a reason why we have other prescription drugs that actually help when we’re sick and marijuana doesn’t do much for you, but provide possible memory loss, loss or gain appetite and cause drowsiness. Your body will feel like it’s completely failed and I don’t understand how it would possibly be prescribed in a medical emergency.

“Marijuana is bad drug and it causes damage to your brain cells and makes you slow,” says Tavie White who has admitted to smoking marijuana from the ages of 12 to 16. He says it wasn’t good from him to smoke but it made him relax from the stresses he faced as a young child. He goes on to say the decision to smoke marijuana should be the user’s choice.

Overall the uses of marijuana aren’t good and should remain illegal. Government’s officials are still trying to find ways to reduce the use the marijuana and other drugs in the United States. Many have speculated that the prohibition of marijuana could go against constitutional laws. Some people feel they shoud be allowed to smoke marijuana because of freedom of speech and individual rights that are promised to them through the constitution.

You can’t teach children drugs are bad and then switch it up and tell them it’s okay to use it if a doctor prescribes it. Sending people mixed signals never got them anywhere in life.

Marijuana as well as other drugs, have been illegal for almost 100 years now. It was banned in 1937 and since then over 20 million Americans have been arrested and incarcerated off of marijuana crimes. It is said to be the most common drug in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that state laws that allow medical marijuana cannot overrule federal laws that prohibit it.

According to an article on how marijuana became illegal on brucealanblokc.com, the very first attempts to make it illegal were in 1914 with the Harrison Act. It was an act that began with taxing cocaine and opiates. The federal government was trying to prohibit people from using it and figured that by taxing the drug it would be harder to acquire. After the Harrison Act was established, medical doctors argued that marijuana gave the “negroes super powers” and led them to rebel against their white owners.

In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use.”.

According to medicalmarijuana.proscons.org, those that support marijuana legalization argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other conditions.

Those that oppose the idea argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA-approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They say marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain.

In 2009, after the United States plummeted into a recession, President Barack Obama talked about the legal matters of marijuana. The question purposed to him, was whether or not legalizing marijuana would help the economy and pay back the war damages. According to cbnnews.com, the President answered by saying, “The answer is, no, I don’t think that it is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

That same year, a CBS News poll showed that 38 percent of Americans favor legalizing and taxing marijuana, while 58 percent want it kept illegal. “I’m not a smoker but I feel marijuana should be legal in American. Just for the simple fact that America is freedom of expression,” says Max Sullivan.

Brittany Jenkins commented by saying, “For medical stuff it should be legal because it can help like the pains go away, but like for teenagers I don’t think they should be smoking marijuana.”

In my opinion marijuana should be illegal. For someone who knows the risks and consequences of using it, I wouldn’t recommend it for a medical reason or anything of that nature. There is a reason why we have other prescription drugs that actually help when we’re sick and marijuana doesn’t do much for you, but provide possible memory loss, loss or gain appetite and cause drowsiness. Your body will feel like it’s completely failed and I don’t understand how it would possibly be prescribed in a medical emergency.

“Marijuana is bad drug and it causes damage to your brain cells and makes you slow,” says Tavie White who has admitted to smoking marijuana from the ages of 12 to 16. He says it wasn’t good from him to smoke but it made him relax from the stresses he faced as a young child. He goes on to say the decision to smoke marijuana should be the user’s choice.

Overall the uses of marijuana aren’t good and should remain illegal. Government’s officials are still trying to find ways to reduce the use the marijuana and other drugs in the United States. Many have speculated that the prohibition of marijuana could go against constitutional laws. Some people feel they shoud be allowed to smoke marijuana because of freedom of speech and individual rights that are promised to them through the constitution.

You can’t teach children drugs are bad and then switch it up and tell them it’s okay to use it if a doctor prescribes it. Sending people mixed signals never got them anywhere in life.

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