By: Daniel

My name is Daniel and I’m about to be 17 years old. I’m facing 12 years for aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. You guys really don’t seem to understand the bad decisions you are making. It doesn’t just affect you, it affects the others that are around you; your family and friends to be specific.

It’s disappointing to see these kids that are fifteen and sixteen years old, serving life sentences without a chance of parole. Think of how your mom feels about you being locked up. Think about the bad example you are setting for your little brother, cousins, nephews, whoever it may be. Stop saying, “I don’t care.”

Where do you see yourself in five years? Living in your own apartment? Have a good solid job? You are not going to receive those opportunities making dumb, ignorant decisions, getting locked up constantly. It just won’t work. Some people have it worse than me. Some people have it worse than you. Don’t give up.

Next time, think about what your mom, aunties, brothers, and sisters will think when you pull a gun on someone. Stop thinking about yourself. People care. People want to help you. But do you see that people care? Do you want those people to help?

Artwork Credit to the artist Kristov Scicluna