Columbia INCITE | Khalil_See Me Because Interview
Q:
For you, like a memory that you have this stands out for you growing up, like one of your most memorable?
SUBJECT:
Yeah, probably one of the first major ones is second grade. We had talent shows, like we had them every year and stuff like that. And there was these twins my class. It was Darrell-- I think it was Darrell and Darius. And we did like a stepping routine.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
And like I've never danced.
Q:
Uh-huh.
SUBJECT:
Like I'd do training dances every [INAUDIBLE], whatever, like Soulja Boy back then.
Q:
Right.
SUBJECT:
But that was the first time I had like the old routine. And it went well. And we won first place. And it was in front of everyone parents, like they came after school and stuff. My mom was there. And I think that was probably one of the most like early on, because I've never done anything of that nature.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
I had never performed nothing. And for everybody to be clapping and stuff, like, way to go. It was crazy. So that's like one of my first ones was second grade.
Q:
Yeah. We can just talk about this quickly, but can you tell me a little bit about the idea that you have for your portraits as a part of the project?
SUBJECT:
I'm going to start off with I'm very goofy person.
Q:
OK.
SUBJECT:
Grew goofy. And one of my dreams is to becoming like a comedian slash actor. So for my portrait I kind of want to go against like the role, like I said, accepting the Oscar. And I kind of want to be dressed up in a tuxedo or whenever. And you know it's televised, so it had the little
font below, like for the award, movie. Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
And it'd be like, I said like probably like [INAUDIBLE] just talking about my wife or something like that just a little inside thing. And then, the background is like the Oscars. It's kind of just because like award winning, things like accomplishments is what I think of. So it's like she-was it Johanna?
Q:
Mm-hmm.
SUBJECT:
She asked me, she was like, what's one thing that a lot of people don't know about you? And I'm a mama's boy.
Q:
OK.
SUBJECT:
I feel like I do a lot--
Q:
I asked the same question.
SUBJECT:
I do a lot of stuff for my mom. So at the end of day always to make her proud. I just feel like that's one of my major goals is to win a giant award for her.
Q:
Right. Yeah.
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
Where did the idea for trial and error come from? Where does that come from?
SUBJECT:
Well, we was also talking about that earlier. So like as a kid, I feel like I kind of matured fast. In the sense of like I've never really had like the mindset like other kids have. Like, I never been like a materialistic person. To this day, I'm still not. I mean like I'm gonna buy it if it's comfortable type stuff.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
But I didn't really ask for much as a kid. So like I kind of feel like I was like out of my age group, but in my age group at the same time. So trial and error is something I came across at like 11, like you live and you learn, that type mindset. And I discovered about myself just like, I'm not I'm not a perfect person.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
[INAUDIBLE]. I've made my fair share of mistakes. I could've avoided, but, you know, they happened. And I think that's where I discovered the you live and you learn. I can't remember who told me it, but it's some of the stuff [INAUDIBLE] in my life. And I feel like trial and error is just like progression as it is.
Q:
Right.
SUBJECT:
I feel like this just like my life summed up, trial and error.
Q:
OK, Yeah. [INAUDIBLE]. What moments did you realize that you were more outgoing, or a good performer, or you can make people laugh? Are there different moments where you kind of learned that by yourself?
SUBJECT:
I really started like learning and stuff like that about myself like maybe towards eight grade to freshman year here. I'm constantly told, you funny, you should be a comedian. Everyone's telling me that.
Q:
Right.
SUBJECT:
But it's like when after a while, when people come to you like for jokes and stuff just to brighten up their day, I kind of started thinking, like maybe I should really think about this, like take this seriously, because I'm a people pleaser. I love making everyone happy. I guarantee you you probably have like the saddest person on earth, and would make them crack a smile. It's just like something about me, I just love making people happy.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
So that was just like something that I just kind of thought about. It just came across like you're very good. I have a way with people. It's kind of hard to say, but like that's kind of how I am. It's like personality wise.
Q:
Mm-hmm, yeah. When you talked about, it seems to me, that early experience of participating in like-- you did a step routine--
SUBJECT:
Mm-hmm
Q:
--with your friends?
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
And then, like kind of seeing how people responded to that--
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
--is when you started. Yeah, there.
SUBJECT:
[INAUDIBLE] good.
Q:
Right. So are there any other moments like that, like accomplishment that sticks out to you, and when you think about those moments, what do you think about in relationship to the way you may think other people think about young men who live in Milwaukee? Do you think that they see those things or are thinking about those things?
SUBJECT:
Can you reform the question?
Q:
Yeah, no, So it's two parts, right?
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
One was like what other kind of moments stick out to you in terms of like they make you feel like, oh, wow, that was really successful or that was important to me that you remember? Yeah.
SUBJECT:
Actually, like this year--
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
So I played football this year. This was my first year ever playing football. I've never even, like-
Q:
Really?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. I was really into the sport, but I never played it--
Q:
OK.
SUBJECT:
--as a kid. So this was my first season. And I did pretty good. I didn't think I was going to do that good. I kind of just went for it, 'cause my dad was like, [INAUDIBLE]. I played other sports and stuff, but never football.
Q:
OK.
SUBJECT:
And I won most valuable linemen. I've got the award. it's at my house. And I was at a banquet when I was awarded. They were just talking about all conference, stuff like that. And I got that, too, all conference for linemen. And for that to be my first season, and I did so well, and to see my mom. She was crying.
Q:
At the banquet?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. She was like, Oh my god, my baby. Like, stuff like that. And I think that's just like another memorable moment, because it's like an example, like, dude, just go for it, because you never know what the outcome can be.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
That's definitely one of them.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
I didn't think I'd do good.
Q:
What other sports?
SUBJECT:
I play baseball. I played basketball freshman year. I gave it like right before I even made the team. So, definitely, I'm gonna try again senior year.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
Everyone was like telling me to do stuff.
Q:
Oh, yeah.
SUBJECT:
Just stick to making people laugh in the class. Yeah.
Q:
Yeah. What is it about making people laugh, or smile, or like breaking people's spirits that's
important for you? SUBJECT:
I mean, I feel like negativity is just like pointless. You really don't get anywhere with negativity and like negative energy around you type stuff. So I just feel like if everyone is positive and is happy, I mean, a lot of the bad stuff that happens in a world I feel like wouldn't happen. And I feel like we need more people like me. Well, not like me, just more positive people in general to just like help others, because you never know what people are going through. So a smile may go a long way. People are like, hey, man, I remember when you said, [INAUDIBLE], it was funny. It got me through stuff like. I kind of like strive for that, making people's days.
Q:
Has someone like said that to you? Have you had experiences like that?
SUBJECT:
There's a couple that, I guess you can say, like every high school has like the lames or like the weirdos type stuff, but I kind of look at everybody as the same. And I never really outcast people in the first place. So like I will crack jokes at anybody. And like I'll make anybody feel good. So basically I've had people, like freshmen and stuff, that kind of get outcast, look up to me, because I'm on the sports team, varsity.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
It's like, you're one of the big people, stuff like that. So it like kind of hit me like a personal level. Like, oh man, I have an impact on people's lives. Like for another person to say, man, I kind of look up to you, it's like motivating me to keep doing it.
Q:
Yeah. yeah. Have there be people in your life that have motivated you in that way, or inspired you?
SUBJECT:
Definitely.
Q:
Who would you say those people are?
SUBJECT:
Like uncles and cousins. I don't know why, but they're like the most funny people in my family. They're hilarious. And I just feel like they always bring like positive energy to like cookouts, and reunions, and stuff like that. And it made me want to be like them. Plus, they were cool in their own little way.
Q:
Mm-hmm.
SUBJECT:
So it's more so like a role model aspect. And I just kind of want to pass on that positivity that they spread to me when I was younger.
Q:
Yeah. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
SUBJECT:
Yeah, I have one brother and two sisters.
Q:
Yeah. Are you the oldest?
SUBJECT:
No, I'm the youngest actually.
Q:
You're the youngest? Oh.
SUBJECT:
Yeah, sadly.
Q:
So you have to be outgoing?
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
What was that like? What is that like?
SUBJECT:
I mean, well, for one, like me and my brother are like really close. Real close. Like I always wanted to be like him, because he used on those like funny people, and cool, and stuff. And he definitely like his own little personal goofy vibe.
Q:
Mm-hmm.
SUBJECT:
Like, mmm stop. Like one of those.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
But he was just like overall like a great person. And then, my sisters-- I'm a dude. We interacted as a family and stuff. But my sisters, they're the ones that kind of tell me stuff. Tell me they expect this and this, like they really like you know personal, like reality wise and stuff like that. Like, man, look out for stuff like this. They're the ones that kind of like, I guess you can say, they kept me grounded in the way.
Like, it ain't all like sprinkles and rainbows after middle school. Like, nah, dude, they was the ones that told me stuff like that. Q:
Like preparing?
SUBJECT:
Yeah preparing me, because they like-- you know, people don't really give respect to women. But they go through a lot. So they were just basically mentally prepared me for stuff like that. So that's why like, my sisters and my brother, they all come together, and it's kind of like I look up to all of them.
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
Even though I'm the youngest. [INAUDIBLE]. Yeah, definitely look up to them.
Q:
Yeah. What do you think is like some of the most important advice that you got from them?
SUBJECT:
Well, from my sister or my brother, or all of them?
Q:
Yeah, whichever.
SUBJECT:
I think the more personal advice, you know, like don't be out here, like breaking hearts and stuff like that-- [INAUDIBLE]. 'Cause I was ugly back then.
Q:
Oh.
SUBJECT:
You get older, you know, they was talking about puberty and stuff. And they really went in with it. Like schools didn't do that back then. So they was saying like, you might have to expect people wanting to talk to you, people liking you, and stuff like that like.
Q:
They had the talk.
SUBJECT:
Yeah, the birds and the bees, and all that. So like they definitely told me about that. And, you know, kind of prepared me for that. And then, my brother, he was more of a sports guy himself. So he was always telling me to go for it, just whatever, like go for it. That's what he always told me. That, and to always smell good. I don't know why. He stressed that a lot. He's like, man, you always want to smell good, he always tells me that. That's why I wear so much cologne.
Q:
It stuck with you.
SUBJECT:
Yeah, definitely stuck with me. Just like stuff like that. The little things that kind of [INAUDIBLE], stuff like that.
Q:
You said that one of your motivations is your mom?
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
What is that relationship like? What does that mean to you?
SUBJECT:
At a younger age, I've always been a mama's boy. But I kind of fear my dad, not because he was But it's more so, he's the dad. So it was always easier to talk to my mom. When I did want something-- like $1 to go to the store-- it was easier to talk to her. So I think that's what made us even closer. And then she was also one of those, just-go-for-it-type people. So when I did do things, and I did good or something, she was like, see, I told you. And then after that, that also built a strong bond. It's hard to explain. But me and my mom have-- we talk all the time. We go just on car trips-- just random places. If I get the opportunity to just talk to my mom or go somewhere, [INAUDIBLE], it's just man, that's my heart right there. That's my rock. So it's hard to explain.
Q:
It's just a source of support.
SUBJECT:
Yeah. I feel like in her eyes, I can do no wrong. I can. But it's just always going to be support regardless of anything I do [INAUDIBLE]. Yeah, definitely.
Q:
Can you think of any experiences-- whether it's been challenging or something that you wanted to do or something that was difficult-- that she or your brothers and sister-- or your family in general supported you through?
SUBJECT:
So I can pitch it to them. Who's going to say that? I ain't no Frank Ocean when it comes to singing. But as a kid, my mom and my parents always stressed church and going to church and stuff. But it's just so boring. It's real boring. So I was trying to get involved in things that were wrong. And they always told me about a choir. They always suggested it. I never did it. But I did once think about it. And they were just-- they were just saying, you don't have to be the best singer [INAUDIBLE] they can't sing. And [INAUDIBLE] having the good time. So that's one thing as a family, they always supported me
[INAUDIBLE] having the good time. So that's one thing as a family, they always supported me to do it-- little choir boy clip. But sadly, I never did it. I was this close to doing it. But I just-- it was just weird. I was going to be the youngest person up there. I was only 7. And everyone was 38 and up. It's going to be-Q:
They didn't have a youth choir?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. They didn't have a youth choir. It was a smaller church. So it was going to be out of my comfort zone. But that's the first time that they ever-- as a family they would be proud of me just to see me the stage like that. That's the first one where they all came together to try to support me.
Q:
How old were you?
SUBJECT:
I was 8. [INAUDIBLE] I hit puberty yet. So I [INAUDIBLE] high-pitch voice-[INTERPOSING VOICES]
SUBJECT:
I think that's what they wanted me to do it because they wanted, swing low up there [INAUDIBLE] ain't no high-pitched singers in there. That's probably why they wanted me to do it so bad, is to get involved, too.
Q:
Do you feel-- when you think about the word community, do you think about home or the church? What aspects do you think about?
SUBJECT:
When I hear community?
Q:
Yeah. What's your community for you?
SUBJECT:
I think cultural-wise. I feel like African-Americans in general is what I think when I hear community. I don't really think more so about Milwaukee or my neighborhood. I just think it's people. That's what I think about when I hear community.
Q:
Just the people you're around?
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
Why don't you think about neighborhood or those other things that--
SUBJECT:
Because I never really understood just separating people through neighborhoods and stuff like
that. We got the suburbs. And you got-- I'm pretty sure you can find the ignorant person in the suburbs regardless. So I just think just race-wise-- not in a bad way, but that's just the way I've always thought about it. Q:
How do you think that impacts your day-to-day experience?
SUBJECT:
I can admit with this mindset, I have become slightly prejudice, not racist, but I have a premade [INAUDIBLE] pretty much all like that-- other races outside of African-American. So there's not a good thing. But I'm not [INAUDIBLE] yeah, they all do this. It's not like that. So I can say-- how can I say this without sounding too ignorant? [LAUGHTER]
Q:
You don't have to worry about how you sound.
SUBJECT:
I just look at different races differently. I never really got to-- I understand different races now. But younger, I just thought, if they aren't black, I don't think I'm going to talk to them. It was a bad mindset to have as a younger person. But you live and you learn.
Q:
Trial and error.
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
Is that-- were you thinking in terms of the possible stereotypes or ideas they had about black people? Was that it? Or was it just you felt more comfortable?
SUBJECT:
I think more so I just felt more comfortable with other blacks. I think that's what it was. When I did have a few stereotypes-- it was came to where people were telling me most white people are the devil, stuff like that. But it was usually just because I was more comfortable. I didn't really get a chance to explore it. So I didn't really know what was beyond the black community. That's pretty much what it was.
Q:
Is that because your--
SUBJECT:
I was just more comfortable.
Q:
Did you grow up in a largely black neighborhood?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. Definitely. It was definitely large neighborhoods because everyone knew each other. But
everyone was-- it was a real big neighborhood. So stuff like having-- not a block party, but it seems like that when you jog past. Everybody is outside right now, stuff like that. It was like that. Q:
So the neighborhood you grew up in, your neighbors knew each other and talked to each other?
SUBJECT:
Yeah, sat on the porch all day and talked and stuff like that. That's how it was.
Q:
OK. Do you think that-- going back to that question when people think about even just black communities in Milwaukee or neighborhoods, there's that idea that that picture comes to mind of-- you described, not the block party, but people out talking and being connected to one another?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. What was the question you were trying to ask [INAUDIBLE]?
Q:
Do people see that? Do you think that other people see that who are outside of your community?
SUBJECT:
Yeah and no, because I feel like it's more so people are going to want to find out what they want to know. I feel like people don't really stress or actually want to get to know communitywise, how we are. I feel a lot of people don't want to know. So they're prejudice in that sense. They just have a mindset like, they're all doing this and that. But then there are people that know. So I feel like here in Milwaukee, personally, I don't think people care too much.
Q:
So now I'm just thinking from that, what have your experiences been like when you've been in situations where you interacted outside of your community? And did that impact the way you think about building relationships or those type of things?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. So here we would probably go to a field trip or something for like-- it was a field trip for my carpentry class. And the school bus took us out to near Racine. It was a real open area where they were actually building houses. And they were started a community from scratch, like a neighborhood-type thing.
Q:
Is Racine a suburb? Or is it--
SUBJECT:
Yeah. It was near a suburban area. And on the field trip, besides our school, it was a lot of white people there. And they had us do little small activities where you don't talk to your own
personal group you came with and get to know other people. When you talk to white people, it's not it's weird or anything. It's just like they probably pretty much have the same life that I have. It is nothing different but skin color. That's pretty much it. I pretty much do the same thing. We all as teenagers play video games and hang out with others. Stay on our phones, It's the same thing. So getting to know a different race is eye opening, like, dude, it's not bad. it's just the same thing. We all do the same thing. That's kind of how I started discovering other races. And then Hispanics, I didn't really learn about the Latino culture until I came here, until my first few years here. I'd never been on the south side until I came here. So and then getting to know so many friends here-- like, hey, man, you want to stay after school and go eat-- the restaurants I never even knew existed but they're good and stuff like. It's just a lot of that. Q:
Did you grow up and in Milwaukee? Or did you move here?
SUBJECT:
Basically I grew up in Milwaukee. I lived in Chicago until I was 4. Before I turned 5, then we moved here. So it did take some time to get used to because I stayed in the house a lot at early ages until [INAUDIBLE].
Q:
Just dealing with the move, getting used to the move?
SUBJECT:
Yeah, because I was surrounded by all my family. Pretty much a good 90% of my family lives in Chicago. So it was kind of like that. [INAUDIBLE] move to Iowa and stuff like that. So it was like that. I just have to get used to being so far away from other family. I still visit them. I just visited them last weekend. But that was more so what I had to get used to. And then once I settled down, it was easy from here. I feel like school is the main source of me finding out about a lot of stuff, like friends, different cultures-- if it wasn't for school, I wouldn't know a good majority of what I know now.
Q:
Was it school-- what helped you get more comfortable? What brought you out of the house?
SUBJECT:
Yeah. That and like just church in general. Leaving the house and having fun, and then I'd go back home. I'd be like, man, I just had a lot of fun. I don't want to be in this house anymore, like stuff like that. Once I did something, and it was fun, I don't to go home. I want to stay here. So school definitely did help in that way.
Q:
Looking back, if there's one thing that you're thinking about now-- with your experience as a trial and error-- or just your experience in general, if there's one thing you could change or do differently, if you think about it, what do you think that would be?
SUBJECT:
Definitely, everything that like my mind once thought about younger, like, I want to do this and this, I would have done it. I just would have went for it because I'm in my junior year. And I'm just now playing a major sport, football. I've only got one year after this. And then who knows if I play in college? I just wish I had got a hold of a lot of stuff at a young age. That's probably what I would do.
Q:
What do you see yourself doing in college?
SUBJECT:
If I do go to college, I want to major in entrepreneurship because my dad always talked about having your own business and not wanting to work for nobody. You want to make your own money, stuff like that. So I looked into it. And entrepreneurship is-- they can help you learn how to start a business or never. So I definitely think I would focus on that if I go to college for football or [INAUDIBLE].
Q:
I was going to say, if you were to go that route, what would that transition look like if [INAUDIBLE]?
SUBJECT:
I feel like it would probably be rough the first couple months. It's not that hard for me to adapt to stuff now ever since I moved from Chicago to Milwaukee. So I adapt to stuff really well. But [INAUDIBLE] I'm pretty far away from my family. I don't want to be too far away. But I don't want to be close either because I want to live my life as an adult for some time. But It's going to be hard for the first one. I'm going to have to keep in touch with everybody. I'm going to have to be calling a lot of people.
Q:
Where would you want to go? What would your dream school be?
SUBJECT:
North Carolina A&T. It's the HBCU. I just feel-- my parents met at a HBCU. They went to Wilberforce. So that's a really old school. [INTERPOSING VOICES]
SUBJECT:
Yeah. They were telling me, HBCUs is where it's at, basically. So I looked into them. And then North Carolina A&T, it just sound like a good school. And then when I researched it and looked into it, the pictures you see, everyone is together. I didn't see one picture where somebody
was walking alone, stuff like that. I feel like it would be like a second home to me. It just seems endearing. It seems like welcoming type stuff. It's kind of far from Milwaukee. But for that school, I'll deal with that. Q:
It'd be a different kind of support--
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
--system? Why is it important to see pictures on the website or where you were reading about it, of people being together? Is that similar to your community here? Or you just want to see people supporting [INAUDIBLE]?
SUBJECT:
I think that's why I was so attached to it because when I was younger, the community was so together. And then once you started an older, you start seeing a lot of people don't really be in big groups like that. That's why it drew my attention. I want it to be like that. And once again, that's probably why I liked it so much, because everyone was together in the school. It's welcoming.
Q:
Were you saying that's how you've seen your neighborhood here change?
SUBJECT:
It's kind of-- wait, what was the question?
Q:
You said people aren't really in big groups like that.
SUBJECT:
Yeah. You don't really see too many gatherings and stuff like that on the block. I don't really see people go outside that much. And personally I only go outside when I'm hanging out with friends. But you don't see that much stuff like that anymore. I don't why. But I feel like my generation is changing just the way we go about things now. It's weird. So I think the-- I don't want to be-- I don't want to do anything alone. I'll do it if I have too. But if I'm going to go to college for four years or something, why wouldn't I pick one that's so-- they project everyone to be together, type stuff. that's why I like it so much. It's the perfect fit for me. That's how I feel.
Q:
Do your parents tell you any stories about going to school there?
SUBJECT:
About Wilberforce?
Q:
Yeah.
SUBJECT:
In the sense of friends they knew that I didn't know. They would be like, oh, man, there goes Rick. We were at Golden Corral. And we were eating. And my dad kept looking up. And my mom was like, what are you looking at? And he goes, [INAUDIBLE] Bow-legged Rick over there.
Q:
[LAUGHS]
SUBJECT:
[INAUDIBLE] Bow-legged Rick? And she turned around. And she's like, it is [INAUDIBLE]. And they were so happy to see each other because they hadn't seen each other since college days. So a moment like that, I want. So they always-- they didn't really tell me stories of what they did. They told me there was low-key some partying. [LAUGHTER]
Q:
So they couldn't tell you all the stories.
SUBJECT:
Yeah, they couldn't tell me all the details. But they-- just friends that I didn't know but they were so close to them, that's why they were telling me, we've been boys since college and a little bit before that. So I just want that personally.
Q:
Do you know what they majored in?
SUBJECT:
My mom majored in-- I think it was business and marketing.
Q:
Oh, [INAUDIBLE]. [LAUGHS]
SUBJECT:
Yeah. It was either business or something to do with-- it had something to do with money. My mom, she's real good with money. Finances, she's amazing at it. And then She loves math at that-- so I know that was what she majored in. My dad majored in English literature. He loves literature. And I'm more so-- I like to read. I hate math. I don't like math. But I'll read. And I'm really interested in history and stuff like that. So my dad, he said he wanted to be a teacher. But when college happened and other issues that he went through, it didn't happen. But they had fun in college. I want to have fun too. That's just how how I feel about college.
Q:
Do they say, this is what we want you to do? Or do you get to think about that for yourself?
SUBJECT:
I can tell it they try to refrain from doing that. But at first, they were like, you're going to go to college. And you're-- at first it was like that. But then once-- probably around the end of my freshman year, they were like, you don't have to go to college, because they understand that college isn't for everybody. But they said, if it's something you want to do, go ahead. Be our guest. But they just told me to don't stress it too much. [LAUGHTER]
Q:
[INAUDIBLE] a little bit because I thought he was gone.
SUBJECT:
Oh, yeah. That was basically-- so I can tell they took the effort to not shove the idea college down my throat, like, go to college. Go to college. They just wanted me to go along with the flow to see how I do with other stuff and then think about college after that. That's why I want to go to college because they always ask me, so what do you want to do with your life? And then when you think about that, you're like, [INAUDIBLE] go to college for something and stuff like that. That's how it was. So I just-- yeah. Maybe college isn't [INAUDIBLE].
Q:
Keep going. [LAUGHS] So just thinking-- now I'm wrapping up since we're talking about the ideas or dreams you have for the future, what would you say-- what would you think that your family would be or look like in the future? Is that the same? Or will it be different?
SUBJECT:
I think I can say it probably will be more so the same as it is because we didn't really have problems as a fam-- we had problems. But we didn't have-- no one was-- it wasn't heavy issues. They came. But the way our lifestyle was as a family, it wasn't bad. So I will definitely-what's the word I'm trying to say? Present?
Q:
Pass on.
SUBJECT:
Yeah, basically. I will basically pass on the way our family operated before to them because it was nothing really bad about it. It was basically the same thing. Other people have jokes-- just sticking together, little things. It was just stuff like that.
Q:
Can you think of any particular values that you want to pass on, that your family gave to you?
SUBJECT:
Definitely, you've got to keep the comedic side. You've got to keep that. I feel that's the important value, happiness and just-- happiness and positivity are two things that I'm going to
definitely stress that my kids have in their lives, in their family lives, and stuff like that. Yeah, definitely. That's a go-to. That's mandatory. That's mandatory, man. And to just always, always be close and-- keep in touch because my brother is a Marine. And the first two years, it was hard. There would be times where I would like, man, I miss my brother. And it was hard. But after a while, he was coming back to visit and stuff like that and just keeping in touch and talking over the phone. And I know it's always great to keep in touch with your family regardless of what they're doing. So I'm definitely going to stress that's too-communication. Q:
All right. Well, thank you for your time. It's so good talking to you.
SUBJECT:
Yeah.
Q:
All right. Cool.