There are 62,000 thousands people living in the New York projects. 8.406 million people live in New York. DeShawn an character from the book If I Grow Up written by Todd Strasser, was a kid living in the projects, wanted several things. But it felt like he wasn't going to be able to get money without being in the gangs. So he joins the gang. Then DeShawn worked his way up and then he was the head captain of the gang. DeShawn could have a choice because DeShawn have better his education, other people in the town were had jobs, and DeShawn could got help from Citizens of his town. Some people believe that they don’t have a choice because; they feel like they can’t get money anywhere else. Also, that is what they think is right to do, they do not wrong from right. Everyone is doing it so they think that it right. However, …show more content…
There is a school where he lives and knowing made him physically get out school he had just thought that he had to get out of school. It was his choice to drop out of school. No one made him drop out of school it was his choice. Some have the choice of going to an even better school. The author says, “Have you ever heard of Hewlett Academy?” “No, sir”, “It’s an magnet high school over in Beech Hill...” that is a choice that DeShawn could have made and that would of help him get out. According to the text “Mr. Brand said I was reading grade level…” DeShawn was at grade level but it was his choice not to take advantage of it. Finally, DeShawn could got help from Officer Patterson. Officer Patterson gave the choice to DeShawn to get out of the projects and to get a better life. He was willing to not just help him but to help his family. The article states that “...move you, your grandma, sister, and those kids someplace new. Some place where you could get a fresh start” and that is the biggest thing you could do to help you and family officer Patterson that he gives a better home and a better