Journalism Emo Kid

Kia Schluetz

(TEACHER)

Journalism

August 28, 2011

Gray Skies Ahead For Zach

The tragic quality of life experienced by Zach, a student at Hayes High School and a fan of video games, began early on in his childhood. As the child of a drug-addicted mother, and a father that he rarely sees, he also has five step-siblings; a complex and miserable family. But just after turning eight years old, his situation became even more confusing than before. His mother took him on a trip to his grandmother's house, and simply did not return for him.

“All she said was 'We're going to Grandma's,'” says Zach, as he relates the story of his betrayal. “She's unpredictable... it seems like she cares sometimes, but it's hard to know.” Her erratic nature left Zach no clues of her plans to leave him behind. Just like that, she was gone.

After, he was raised mostly by his Grandmother out in the country, in a caring but strict environment. He recalls that it “wasn't bad.” During the years that he lived with her, he developed both a love for music, and his skills with computer graphics. Unfortunately, however, Zach's new and more peaceful life stood to be disturbed. Just a few months ago, eight years after he was abandoned by his own mother, she returned for him.

“I hate you” was the only sentiment Zach had any interest in expressing upon seeing her. After all of the years without a sign of his mother, he wanted nothing to do with her. After a huge scene, Zach ran away. But with no plan other than to escape, the police quickly found him, and he was taken back. He has been living with her since then, and he has not gone unaffected.

“I've attempted suicide three times,” he says, when asked how he is dealing with his situation. He feels “neglected” and has very few hopes for the future. He says that he most looks forward to college, because this will lead him to a good job. His plan is to work himself to death. He wants to “get [life] over with.” Zach does not see himself actually attempting suicide again, however, because he is done with that part of his life. He thinks that work could be “something I'll actually enjoy.”

Other than getting a job, though, Zach is very much disillusioned with his future prospects. He has a vague idea of possibly having a child one day, but the horizon looks bleak.