I was raised thinking the world is a great place. I do not disagree with that statement but the world has its dark side. New York is a place I fell in love with the moment I stepped onto the bustling streets. The city that never sleeps truly holds up to that reputation. I wander around Times Square taking in the flashing lights and energy pulsing through the people. My breath quickens to the pace of the walking and at each glance I fall deeper and deeper in love. I take a bite of the hot dog in my hand and smile from ear to ear. The warm air bustles around me and I realize this is where I’m meant to be. The day dwindles to an end and we have to take the subway. We walk down the block taking in the last minute moments of Times Square and as soon as I blink my eyes see a whole different world. I hear the words “Please anything helps” to my left and I jump frightened. I turn to see a withered old man dressed in rags. My heart bends at that moment. What is happening? One minute I went from seeing big buildings and rushing businessmen and now I am seeing broken people hoping to get their next meal. I walk about a desolate street with homeless scattered everywhere and better-off people rushing pass not sparing a second glance. How did this happen? When did people become so cold and heartless? The street had a gloomy feeling encompassing the air and the people. I feel dirty and helpless. I am one person and I can only make so much of a difference. I ask my mom for some money and give a couple dollars to the old man sitting in front of me. When I hand him the money the light shines through for only a couple of seconds. The man’s eyes light up like he had won the lottery and he showed me a one tooth smile. I smile back yet I felt pain in me. I have been guarded my whole life and shown the bright side of everything but there is a dark side. My parents showed me this dark side and from this I realized that we need to take a stand. If we all just helped and cared a little more then maybe the world could be all sunshine and rainbows. My eyes were opened up and although New York has its glam and riches it may also be considered the poorest place. I still to this day feel the need to go to New York and live in the fast lane but along the way I am determined to touch as many lives as I can.
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