J.JONE$’s blog

Like my mother, i have also been affected by violence in my life. I was raised on the south side of Chicago on 71st and Wolcott, which is located in Englewood. I personally have been involved in fistfights and didn't even know why i was fighting afterwards. Also, I have seen people get beat to the point they couldn't stand up straight. I also have had to jump over a person who had been shot to get away from the gunfire. These events have contributed to my biggest fear, which is getting killed before i go off to college. At the same time though, i figure if i made it this far i will be alright until August 14,....  I hope.

Adult Computer Class

Joyce Jones is my mother. She has experienced violence in many of the situations in her life. She has had people get shot and killed right in front of her. She also has been a victim of violence. In 1967, when she was ten years old, she was hit by a drunk driver. The driver then panicked and ran her over again, this time dragging her about half of a block. Although she miraculously survived, this is an example of the same type of violence that currently plagues inner city neighborhoods in Chicago, namely, Englewood. While interviewing my mother, she also recalled something very disturbing that happened last friday night, may 17. She actually saw a two year old boy lying in the middle of the street, dead, on 67th and damen. He was hit by a hit and run driver. My mother says she started to cry when she saw the little boy. This reminded her of the current state of the community. It shows irresponsibility on the parents' behalf and immaturity and recklessness on the behalf of the driver. My mother also told me about when her boyfriend, Terry, who was shot and killed right on the blacktop in the middle of their apartment complex, the notorius, Cabrini Green. She says she was traumitized by this event and she still dreams about it sometimes and she wakes up sweating and shaking with fear. These events, among many others h

Book Club 1

I can't wait until August 14, 2008. that is the day that i leave Chicago to go to Carbondale for college. while i will be sad to be leaving most of my friends behind, i am ready for college so i can take the next step in my life. My transition will be made easier because i have two friends who are also currently enrolled at Southern Illinois. also, my brother will try to attend Southern along with us in January.

MY name is Justin Jones and I am 17 years old. I am graduating in June and I will be attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.