The Unspoken Hope in Maryvale

Service: the side of Maryvale that often goes unnoticed

by Melissa

Looking down, realizing that you're being watched and you've made a first impression. Sometimes they don't go as well. First impressions, yeah they are tough. A judgment made with only one thought, without a story of what is shown. That's what people get from Maryvale. Our reputation isn't the best but others don't get the opportunity or desire to see the other side of it. So they miss all the goodness of our area, because they go on thinking about what's wrong. That's too bad, because they miss out on what we have here.

Within Maryvale, most neighbors are pretty friendly. Of course you're going to have annoying people once in a while, but still it's all good. They might and are meant to be different, but that only means we have a chance to learn from our own diversity. People here aren't exactly what I've heard others talk about. They are better than all of that. Over time you start talking and befriending people which only makes it that much better. People are quick to jump to the "thugs and gangsters" stereotypes, but visit any neighborhood and you'll see families and friends, hard-working, honest people and a common dream for a safe community.

With homes, parks, libraries and other places to our area, that is quite swell. Most neighborhoods have a park where kids, and adults can go play or exercise. Also, Maryvale offers a library to help with books filled of great interesting things and activities that student or anybody can do. It's a community like any other. What makes it unique and somewhat special to us is the memories that this place holds for us.

It may seem like an unlikely place to be because of everything you hear, yet here we are. Our surroundings might not be the best but they are a part of it all. True, we have graffiti. Yes, we have areas of crime. But no matter what people may say, this place is truly great. It feels safe. It feels like home.

Even with all the awesome things, we are willing to improve. We can change the bad and build on the good. We've done things to better the community to help change the perspective of those who put us down, and to better ourselves in the process. Our school was beautified by wonderful murals, all representing something that is true and deep. That's what the community gets for being the community. It's an artistic way to say, "thank you for supporting our youth." We have students who volunteer for food banks and who paint over the tagging. We hope to be the change that transforms this place.

That's what's been going on recently, and I hope will continue for the years to come. Good,bad, however you see it, this is the community of Maryvale. A place unknown for it's goodness. The place behind the curtains overlooked by something that is more out there. It's only going to get better. Those people talking don't know what it's like here so they have no clue. No matter what, where, when something about our community is being talked about pretty soon (I hope) It's all going to be good stuff.