How Do I Survive?

I think that having to be constantly aware of one's surroundings in New York City, particularly back in the 70s and early 80s, teaches you a little bit about how to take care of yourself. My dad, with his story, he had people break in. We were always very careful about how we were going to be there without him. But ultimately we had to leave Staten Island because it was just too dangerous for a mom and pop shop of drugs. For an Asian American, I'm unusually large. Do I walk around feeling paranoid? Probably not. It's very possible that something terrible can happen.