by Eric M., Youth Facility in Rikers Island in East Elmhurst, New York
It can be crazy being a teen! For today, while I was getting my haircut I felt dizzy to the point of passing out. After my haircut I could not stand so I figured I’d feel better after a shower. I placed a chair inside the shower stripped off my clothing and sat in the chair as the cool water hit me.
After a bit I was a bit better, I got dressed. I was on my way to see staff out the medical station when I became so dizzy I fell to the floor and only knew what happened when I woke up in the medical part of the hospital.
The television was on so I was watching this movie titled, “Bless The Beast and The Children.” I enjoyed it. It has some deep lessons about life for teenagers. I then watched an old black and white movie titled, “The Apartment,” which I loved.
Then the medical team came in to see me, which they reminded me of a Salvador Dali’s, “Revenge of the Gold Fish!”
Going through all this scared me because I never want to pass away in a Youth Detention Center, Youth Detention Mental Center or Youth Jail.
Teenagers like me need to wise up and do good for our family, friends and loved ones to stay out of such places. We need to do good in school and become better teenager and young adults. Sitting here in the Children’s Hospital with an IV hooked up in my arm and just in my cartoon fruit of the Loom Boy Briefs, watching television when the medication does not put me to sleep.
I’m just scared of passing away in an institutional youth setting. I wonder if other teens feel as I feel? Thanks again for letting my writings be published to help other teens. Thank you.