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I've lived in North Chicago two years. We moved from Melrose Park. I grew up there, from elementary to middle school, and then until eighth grade. Then we moved here. There's five of us. My mom, my dad, me, and my two siblings.
It's a better place. A better, bigger house. New opportunities for us and our family. We’ve met new people, and we're closer to our family, because there was barely anyone we knew back there. It's easier for us to connect, and to hang out. I'm happy now. Back then was kind of hard. I'm happy here.
What's been the very best part?
Mostly the new opportunities; meeting new people. I've made new friends along the way. And I see new opportunities. Now, in this school, I can see that I can be a lawyer.
Before, I didn't know what to be. But then after talking to tons of people, I realized that being a lawyer was a good thing. First of all, they make some good money. And second of all, it's something I actually like. I've learned a lot. Law school, being a lawyer, anything that's about criminal justice. Helping people, defending, or seeing what I can do.
Have there been any drawbacks or not-so-great things about living in North Chicago?
There were some neighbors... we just forgot about that. Financial problems and personal problems. We were struggling for a while. Some things going on around the house, and personal, and mental as well. We were trying our best to overcome all these obstacles at the same time. It took us a while, but at the end it was worth it.
Something I always say to myself and to other people; you should just live life, you know? Negative things come at you. No matter the karma, live the life you want. If you do bad things, I mean, that's your thing– but if you do good things, then you receive good things in your life. Do what you want to do, but don't do bad things. Always make good choices in life. You'll always receive some good stuff in the end. And when you're finished with everything, you know, it's gonna be all worth it. Keep dreaming of the goal that you always want to do, and never stop no matter what anyone says.
Even my own parents, they never give up. And they're right, as well. And by not by not giving up, I have more opportunities than not doing anything.
What three words would your parents use to describe you?
Smart. Let's say… extraordinary, because sometimes I do some weird stuff, you know?
Extraordinary?
Yeah…I'm just curious. So smart, curious, and maybe...always looking for new opportunities...courage. Okay. Yeah, that's another word. 'Cuz I always want to do new stuff. I'm always trying to reach out to people. I'm and I'm trying to like my best to be brave around people as well. Because I noticed that I used to be shy. But now I'm being more brave. So bravery is another word I could use.
We're meeting today during a yard sale your family is hosting, and I can see that your parents lean on you a little bit for some language translation. What's that like for you– to be helpful, but also to be relied upon?
I think it is a responsibility, but it's just a part of life. I'm okay with it. To me, it's like I'm teaching them. Helping them learn, right? I'm teaching them, and talking to more people will make me more talkative. I have to be more brave and not be shy.
What's your idea of the perfect day?
To be honest, a perfect day will be a rainy day, being inside, just watching the movie.
If they were to make a Hollywood movie of your life so far, what would the title of the movie be?
Just Living Life.
What movie star would you want to play you?
Ryan Reynolds. For some good, funny moments.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.