I Am A Girl

Breani

USA, 16 years old

Born and bred in the Projects – NYC, Breani is determined not to fall into the “black hole” like many of her friends and peers from the neighborhood. The challenges here are drugs, violence and gangs, but Breani isn’t like the rest. She is ambitious and creative which are qualities that are not valued in the place where she lives. Her rap music is an outlet to vent her frustrations and observations. Her online life is another world to escape to. It is a world where beauty and image are valued above all and “haters” and bullies ready to pounce. From a single parent family with an absent father, Breani doesn’t have many people to turn too. Her dream of success is coupled with the lingering doubt that she may not be good enough to make it out.

I found your story compelling because…