Having some trouble with outgoing PMs, so I posted my PS here. Please feel free to PM or email (
nickolas.a.johnson@gmail.com) me with your thoughts and for help. This is a VERY rough draft and having some issue with the general flow. Thanks in advance and I look forwad to working together soon.
I vividly recall proudly paying the well-spent, five dollar entrance fee to see my shy nephew, Etienne (Etti for short), with his newly assembled basketball team playing their first game of the season. In tow, I kept my Economist magazine well-fittingly folded on an article about young Kurds adopting the game of basketball snugly tucked into my left back pocket of my jeans. For a number of years now, the Economist has validated itself to be more than just a faithful subway companion and exceptional read, but it has actually been inspirational through some of the most difficult times of my adult life.
The world-renowned magazine provides concise, yet insightful articles pertaining to economic, societal, political, scientific, and global affairs. In a glimpse, the obituary section of the magazine beautifully marries the meaningful and colorful lives of politicians, athletes, writers, scientists, and even dictators with the intriguing narrative of people like the chemist, Albert Hofmann, and his creation and affection with LSD. These stories still live with me today. One would probably not direct their attention to articles born out of death for wisdom and motivation, but I found tremendously applicable prospection over the years.
Wide-eyed, my best friends and I often dwell in awe at some of the great accomplishers we read about, but we share a fond appreciation for tales we like to refer to as “gems”. Gems are straightforward depictions of seemingly “normal” people that have lead seemingly “normal” lives, but you rapidly learn something about them that leaves you jolted and bewildered. Although not quite Economist worthy, I would like to briefly share a short depiction of how the magazine has helped my nephew and consequently me during the less uplifting times.
Born a homosexual male to two drugs addicted “parents” in a very impoverished, black dominated environment on the west side of Chicago, growing up proved to be extremely difficult. When we were not forced to freely fend for ourselves, my younger sister and I were compelled to live in multiple shelters, long-stay motels, and in the households of several reluctant family members. We often suffered through the inability, due to out parents’ addictions, to afford simple necessities, namely electricity, gas (especially in Chicago winters), and many times, food. Having to wear our neighbor’s passed down clothes and have it regularly announced in front of our entire classes took a backseat to the endless embarrassing situations when our profoundly high and/or inebriated mother or father, while in the company of friends, approached us. Not only did we withstand considerable hurdles, my sister and I learned to strive in tough, volatile environments. We, with a firm declaration, vowed to never subject our children to the tortures and neglect that we ourselves had to endure.
Despite the difficulties and mental, physical, and verbal abuse by my father, I managed to excel in middle and high school. I was determined to be the first person in my entire family to attend and finish college. To the surprise of many of my friends and family members, I worked very hard to gain the knowledge necessary and was able to bring this dream to life. During my sophomore year in university, my life took yet another radical turn. At only seventeen, my little sister was subjected to something no individual should ever have to endure. She was raped. Despite such a terribly heinous, senseless act, she was miraculously able to still find admiration in her stunning, vivacious son, Etienne, as result. As Etti began to grow into a preschooler, my sister was having some difficulties and thought Etienne would be safer and more stable living with me. I was quite hesitant, but I knew just how challenging it was for her to ask, and I could not say no. I would not deviate from our promise. I would not let this kid down.
Now a toddler and under my care, Etienne and I had tons of things to learn about each other. Thankfully, Etienne and I maintained a very close relationship as he grew up, which made his transition a lot less burdensome. With a little help from family and friends, I was able to juggle two, sometimes three jobs. In addition to his health, great emphases were placed on Etienne’s schoolwork and involvement in diverse events and peer activities. With finite funds and time, it was crucial to perform a delicate balancing act between home, two schools, and work. As laborious as life had become, I knew it was for a great cause. In retrospect, as I think about all of the missed opportunities, strain on my social life, and sacrificed my grades for the sake my nephew’s, and if given the choice, I wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, I am a stronger, steadily evolving, and a more diligent person as result.
Now a blossoming teen at thirteen years old, it has been several years since Etienne has returned to an especially stable home and a nurturing family. Inspired by the Economists’ gems, I am now able to clearly understand that it’s what you do in life that makes you a decorated soul in death. Contemplating on the impact that Etti and I have made on each other lives, I can definitely distinguish our “normal” lives, as somewhat “normal” people, using alternative means to living a gem of a story. Today, Etienne and our family manage to uphold strong bonds, transparent relationships and feed the never-ending hunger for knowledge and life. Seeing his steady growth mentally, physically, and emotionally makes me especially proud of Etti, my sister, and myself. Listening to him converse with maturity, watching him lead and maintain endurance in sports like in life, and still display humility and dedication, are just a few traits that we share. With a little guidance from the Economist of course, I look forward to seeing just how Etti and I will emerge into an admirable athlete and honorable lawyer respectively.