We no longer have the luxury of assuming that at some unknown future date, our youth will have opportunities to resolve the many personal conflicts, and fears which go unspoken every day. It is time to be diliberate in providing youth safe and positive opportunities to dispell their fears, and at the same time create value in their existence and the rich diversity around them.
Hasan has made it clear that much of his own survival is owed to parents and teachers who allowed him the chance to explore his own fears and concerns about the world around him. He says, "through creative writing and role-playing, I was able to tell my stories, giving voice to my success' and my failures, helped me develop more healthy reactions to the often negative stimuli bombarding me outside the safety of my home."
15 years ago, hasan had to make a descision, reject the lure of easy money or expect a young death. Or as his mother said "it's time for you to prove everybody right or prove everybody wrong" Guess which one he chose. Hasan now spends his time helping to rebuild the shattered spirit of youth, many of whom have never experienced uncontitional support and hope. Hasan is always on the run. From an Up with People youth cast in Denver to a group of maximum security youth offenders in Louisville, Hasan has touched the hearts and dreams of young people. Who is better qualified to rouse a jaded, angry teen than someone who grew up facing many of the same barriers. Within minutes he is connected, taking them from laughter to tears with his stories of growing up and making hard choices.
