We need more cops
I FEEL SAFER on the streets than in the subway. After school, all the kids go to Downtown Crossing. There are people with knives and guns on those trains. Out of 10 people down there, five might be looking to start trouble.
A few months ago, a group of kids we didn't know tried to jump one of my friends in a tunnel at Park Street station. We had to fight to protect ourselves. A lot of people stood around watching. No cops showed up, and no one interfered. That fight lasted a long time. It finally stopped when people tired out. I wouldn't have testified if anyone was arrested. I'd be snitching.
A lot of kids want to see fewer cops around. They feel like the cops are always hacking them. Not me. The more cops I see, the safer I feel.
On the subway, more cops need to work undercover, too. Kids can watch out for police in uniforms. Undercover cops are in a better position to help you.
I had childhood dreams of playing basketball in the NBA or being a rap star. As you grow up, those dreams get smaller and smaller. A friend and I have been looking for two months for a job. We've applied in 10 or 15 fast food places. We fill out applications and then hear nothing. They never call back. I'll say to my friend, ''Let's give up." He'll say, ''No, let's keep trying." The pay is maybe $7.50 an hour, but if people had money there would be less fighting. It's easier in the summer when you can get jobs from the city or from Action for Boston Community Development. I worked with a clean-up crew over the summer around Boston Latin Academy. They should offer jobs like that for the fall, too. There would definitely be less commotion.
There would be less violence and fewer gang fights because everyone would be working.
My friend brought me to the Dorchester Youth Collaborative when I was in seventh grade. There are games and theater classes. I'm usually there every night until 7 o'clock. I've never been arrested. Kids need more places like that.
It's mad easy to get guns on the street. I know where I could find one now. There is a lot of hatred out there, but the problem isn't based on ethnic stuff. That's way behind us. It's where you live that matters. If you live in a certain area, the gangs want you to join their crew. The trouble usually comes with other people over money and respect. Sometimes it's drugs and robbery. But usually it's respect. The easiest way to earn respect is by beating people up in front of everybody. Those four killings of rappers near here last month really scared me. I don't know what that was about, but I don't believe that rap causes violence. It's just music. It's just entertainment.
I've had friends who will see a kid with a book and say, ''I should go beat up that geek." But most of my friends want to go to college. I've been thinking about Boston College. My teachers are good. We study business and theater. But the one thing that is missing is career days, when people come and tell you about their jobs. Kids might listen to that.
Wilkerson Catule is a junior at Brighton High School. He spoke this week to a Globe editor. 
