The good times didnt start for me until I moved away from where I grew up when i went to college in 93-4. There were too many gangs, too many drugs, and too much violence in the late 80s and early 90s where I grew up and I wasnt in the worst part of my city.

I had to watch what colors I wore in certain areas, what sports apparel I wore, make sure my hat was on straight even tho it was usually old and beat up and not gang related. There was a drug house/business across the street from my middle school. A lot of fighting. Always fighting. I have been places where shots were fired. I had a gun put to my head in a mall.

There were good times there for sure. It wasn't all bad. But getting away for college was really when things became awesome for me. I really couldnt stand grades 7-12.

I cant be the only one here who feels this way. Those were violent times in many cities.