In recent years, Chicago has been the center of negative news because of the constant violence that occurs there. So much so, many people fear for their lives as they try to live day to day without being killed. Violence has put fear in the residence so much a teen decided to turn down a full ride to college because of it.
17 year old Lander Braggs is a Chicago native who strives at being the best in what he does. He makes good grades and stays out of trouble. So when it came down to start preparing for college, it was an easy choice. As Braggs began receiving college acceptance letters from colleges, he had to decide if he wanted to stay in the city where violence is a way of life for others. When the acceptance letter came in from Illinois Institute of Technology, the future engineer decided that he did not want to attend the prestigious school even though they offered him $80,000.
Braggs spoke on his decision and why he decided to go away from the violence.
“I’m just thinking, like, I don’t want that for me. I want to be able to just go through life and not have to worry about what’s going to happen to me tomorrow. With all that’s going on in Chicago, with all the violence and everything, I just wanted a different environment.”
Braggs mother, Nicole Howell told reporters she supports her son’s decision because it’s better for her to not keep wondering if her son is fine while at college. Braggs has decided to attend Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He has accepted a scholarship there that will cover his tuition. Howell says that she will find a way to pay for room and board using other means such as student loans.
– Ballah-moni Kollie (@Gottadream87)
photo credit: Black America Web
