A Blessing in Disguise: On Being from The Bronx
“I have heard gunshots, experienced deaths, and inhaled cigarette smoke on every corner, but I have also built a lifetime of friendships, and gained skills I will use throughout my life. As a Bronx Kid, I can proudly say that a life without any failures is a life with no triumph.”
Being from the Bronx is a blessing in disguise. The Bronx is often seen as a place of hardships and struggle, where crimes and poverty rates are high, and many young adults' potential is overlooked. Even with these struggles and hardships, the Bronx is filled with resilience, pride, and undeniable spirit. The Bronx is known for its rich history in music and art. For young teens growing up in the Bronx, the experience is a mix of challenges and opportunities. Life in the Bronx is complicated, and especially for teens it's a constant balancing act. On one side teens are surrounded by energy and creativity that flows on our streets; however, on the other hand, they must navigate through the struggles of economic hardships and social challenges that come in the way of their dreams.
Coming from the Bronx, teens don’t give up easily; they use their life experiences to help achieve their dreams and ambitions. As teens we don’t allow the Bronx to define who we are. No. We are dreamers, creators, and fighters who refuse to be defined by the place we come from. Many outsiders might say that the Bronx is dirty – that it’s a place filled with broken promises. I can strongly say that this is only one side of the story. I have heard gunshots, experienced deaths, and inhaled cigarette smoke on every corner, but I have also built a lifetime of friendships, and gained skills I will use throughout my life. As a Bronx Kid, I can proudly say that a life without any failures is a life with no triumph. Sometimes in life you must learn to take the “L’.”
But don’t just take it from me. Below are the experiences of fellow “Bronx Kids” – those who experienced a life in this borough and know what it means to live through the failures and the triumphs.
These are our stories. These are Bronx stories.
Hawa Fisiru
Freshman at Columbia
“Being from the Bronx has affected my life in many ways; it has taught me to be aware of my surroundings and not to give the benefit of the doubt to people. I have learned many experiences by being from the Bronx, from being betrayed to being backstabbed. I have lost trust in many people, and it has taught me to not allow people to dictate my life and take control over what's mine. A lesson I would give the upcoming kids from the Bronx is to stand your ground. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do. Do whatever your heart desires and be the best at it; be your best self and don't feed into negative energy”.
Nawar Toure
Sophomore at BMCC
“Being from the Bronx affects me heavily. It is easy to fall into society’s traps because of our surroundings. There is no discipline around me to be able to achieve greatness. Even though I have made life long friendships in the Bronx, it is still hard to let go of bad habits due to the people I surrounded myself with. There was minimal help when it came to figuring out next steps when I graduated, and it was hard to know someone had my back due to limited resources. One life lesson I would give the next generation of kids is to be true to yourself, and to stay to yourself. Be smart, don't let societal pressure push you to do things that you don't want to do. Always remember that if you fail once that just means you have to go get it again. Always be ready for criticism from people who wish they were you.”
Safiatou Jallah
Senior at Judith S. Kaye High School
“Being from the Bronx affects me because the opportunities of having a good life are hard. Finding a school with a good education isn’t easy – a school that really supports you and helps you with your future. Finding a job for yourself and meeting your needs and wanting to be independent is a struggle. Crime rate in the Bronx is high, and it's not safe out here and people are ignorant. A life lesson I would give to the upcoming generation of kids in the Bronx is be yourself, do what you want to do, and follow your dreams!”
Fanta Sangare
Freshman at BMCC
“Being from the Bronx, especially as a Black female, can shape your identity in profound ways, offering both challenges and unique sources of strength. People test your limits, and will pray that you fail. The system is broken, and young males are getting wrongly arrested or searched because of skin tone. One lesson I would give is to own your worth and your roots, and never let anyone tell you that where you come from defines your future. Use your community, your experiences, and your voice to rise above the challenges. You have the strength to break cycles, push boundaries, and build a future that is not limited by stereotypes or circumstances. Remember, greatness is in the blood of those who came before you.”
Karifala Conde
Senior at Comp Sci High
“Being from the Bronx taught me to think deep, move smarter, and embrace life lessons with intention. If there’s one lesson I would pass on, it is to choose your company wisely. The people around you shape your growth, mindset, and ultimately your path forward. Surround yourself with those who uplift, inspire, and challenge you to be better.”
Isha Diagoura
Senior at HERO High School
“Being from the Bronx affects me in both negative and positive ways. An advantage that I have from being from the Bronx is being able to have access to great opportunities such as youth programs, and health based internships. However, the Bronx isn’t the best place for kids like me. Lots of kids are being influenced into doing things that can mess with their future, and end up dropping out of school. A life lesson I would give to the upcoming generation is if you are given an opportunity to leave the Bronx, you should take it and never look back. Thrive in school, graduate, get that degree, and go to college.”
Mohamadou Sylla
Freshman at Hobart & Williams Smith
“I think being from the Bronx affected me from seeing a lot of diversity and culture. When you leave the city, it’s very hard to try and replicate that. It helps you understand the connection that you have with being from the city, and how much it’s worth when it isn’t there.”
Ibrahim Mohamed
Junior at Lehman College
“The Bronx has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Growing up here I quickly realized that I have to work harder than the average person to overcome challenges in our community, from underfunded schools to limited resources. The poor education system has made me value SEL-learning and perseverance, knowing that success isn’t handed to you but must be fought for. A lesson I would give future generations is to stay positive. Allow your voice to be heard no matter the circumstance, and don’t allow anyone to limit your greatness.”
Juli Ortiz
Ops Manager
“Coming from the Bronx has made me stronger as a person and has made me aware of my surroundings, and has helped shape how I am now. The diversity In the Bronx has helped me keep an open mind when it comes to decision making and situations I experience in life. The Bronx will always be within me. The lesson I would give younger kids is to always stay true to yourself, never forget who you are as a person. Remaining humble and always remember that your surroundings do not make you worthless.”
The Bronx is the home of many talented individuals, but our talents are sometimes hidden by the image of the Bronx. Our lives. The challenges. The joy. It all comes from the places we are from. From tears to celebration, the Bronx will forever be our home. Never let where you are from determine who you are, always be ready to take risks, and work twice as hard to prove that all the assumptions about people who are from the Bronx are wrong.