BY: GEBRAI SPILLER
Senior Dechele McGee is on a mission to drive out teen violence. “I’ve lost six people in the past few months. I’m just tired.”
If losing close friends and family is one of the most traumatic things that can happen in a person’s life, then McGee has has lived decades longer than her youthful face betrays. “Five of the six people that I’ve lost were all taken by a gun shot," McGee said. "I’ve never even understood the purpose of a gun, because killing other people is pointless.”
Someone has to try to make these bad things to stop happening, McGee decided.
Making negatives into positives is never easy; there will be a mountain of obstacles. But McGee thinks that all of that can be overcome through initiative and dedication.
“I’m starting an organization to stop teens from basically killing each other," she said. "It is time for a change.”
McGee, along with her friend, Raynel Phillips, have gigantic plans to deal with this issue. She’s already making an agenda, which includes plans to clean up parks on the East side of San Antonio and for raising money.
McGee’s organization already has structure. However, she is aware that she cannot do everything on her own. "Anybody can help and support," McGee said. "Even talking about it with your friends will raise awareness. It's not too much to ask."