What It's Like Growing Up In Fresno's Westside | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What It's Like Growing Up In Fresno's Westside

What should we take from our old neighborhoods?

1534
What It's Like Growing Up In Fresno's Westside
Eddy Lackman

We are often told, as human beings, that we should embrace poverty. Yet, the hardest part of growing up in a bad neighborhood was being labeled for it just because we were apart of those poverty levels and being perceived as being the same as the rest. The neighborhood and our surroundings often define us, more than who we are as people. We are not always looked at as someone with potential but as someone trying to start trouble. We’re told that the light is shined on us the most because of negativity, rather than positivity. I realize now, that it’s not just the neighborhoods, but our entire world.

I was born and raised in Fresno, California; and lived on the Westside all of my childhood. The children in my neighborhood were labeled “bad kids” mostly because of the area we lived in and the high death rates in our neighborhood alone. People assume that your mannerisms and persona comes from the neighborhood we were brought up in or how we were raised. When I first moved to Lotus Street at the age of seven-years-old, I constantly heard the sound of gunshots throughout the night; followed by the news of another death the next morning. In addition, school wasn’t much better. Teachers assumed that we were all statistics and therefore limited our opportunities to succeed. The first month of living on the Westside was scary. I wanted to leave, but we couldn't afford it. My family, like others, was stuck in a financial situation and had no choice but to stay. After being in the neighborhood for some time, I became prone to gunshots and violence as if it was normal. During my childhood, I witnessed lives being taken in drive-by shootings. At the time, living there was not something to be proud of. Due to the violence we were exposed to, I lost a lot of family and friends during my childhood.

Although we were surrounded by negativity, growing up on the Westside was not always a bad thing. The people that lived on our street became a tight-knit community that looked out for and protected each other. The neighborhood grandmothers looked out for all the kids, made sure we were safe, and occasionally passed down gems of knowledge to us. “Your current situation does not define your future.” This was a quote that stuck with me for years and has now become something I live by. Although the Westside had a bad reputation, we were shown how to make the best of our living situations. There were block parties to bring us all closer together and neighborhood fundraisers to keep all the kids out the streets.

All of us have had our own “Westside” growing up. And from that, we all have chosen pieces of our lives to leave behind but don't forget to remember the lessons and memories it offered. Looking back, I was able to learn at an early age how to adapt and be aware of my surroundings. It took my experiences and wisdom from my old neighborhood to become who I am today.

What can you take from your old neighborhood?

With Love,

The Westside

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25252
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10552
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7782
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments