Joshua came to Reno from Los Angeles, nearly two years ago, to live with his sister. He says he's been through ups and downs in the Biggest Little City, but that it hasn't been as turbulent as his life in California.
"I've seen Skid Row," Joshua said. "I've seen people who are down and dirty." Photo by Jose Olivares / Our Town Reno
Staying Calm Despite Challenges
He says he's learned to calm down here, and stay away from violence. He also finds refuge and help at the Eddy House, a drop-in center with resources for young adults.
"It's just a good environment. You can feel the positivity of the people around you," Joshua said of the Eddy House, as he recently attended what's called a family dinner. "It brings the type of hope that you can still succeed in life."
One Day at a Time
But Joshua doesn't want to pinpoint his own dreams just yet, at least not publicly.
"There's a lot that I strive for. There's a lot that I wish for and there's a lot that I dream for," he said. "But for right now I just take it one day at a time."
Thinking of society at large he said it's important for people to choose better leaders, but that he believes ultimately change for the better lies in the people's own hands.
Reporting by Jose Olivares for Our Town Reno