By: Dondric Joseph, Feature Writer

I remember growing up and hearing adults say, “life is all about decisions.” It always sounded like it made sense but it wasn’t until I was an adult and began to make my own decisions that I really understood what they were saying. So many times we see celebrities on the news for simply making the wrong decisions. As humans, it’s not our job to judge because everybody has made a bad decision or two in their lifetime. What’s important is how you come out of that bad decision. Some celebrities seem to never learn their lesson in that bad decision but there are also some who’ve come out as a better person because of their bad decision.

Hip Hop superstar, Clifford “T.I.” Harris is currently experiencing the results of not learning from a bad decision. In 2007, the rapper was arrested for attempting to purchase a large amount of machine guns and silencers. Before serving his sentence, T.I. seemed to have learned his lesson and began to speak to youth about staying away from violence and out of trouble. The MTV network even allowed him to have a reality show in which he personally met with troubled teens and attempted to sway them away from the troubled path in which they were headed.

One year after his release from prison, things began to start looking pretty good for T.I. He had married his long-time girlfriend, Tiny, he was working on a new album and he was starring in a new movie. T.I.’s new movie “Takers” debuted in theaters on August 27^th and by Monday it was reported to be the number one movie in the country. Unfortunately, less than a week later T.I. was arrested for drug possession. I’m sure T.I. didn’t think he would be arrested for drugs, he probably just saw it as if he was simply celebrating his success. Unfortunately, his bad decision may cost him his career, family and most importantly his freedom.

It doesn’t always have to be this way. Take a look at Michael Vick. Before his arrest, Vick was the highest paid player in the NFL and loved by just about everyone. Unfortunately, he got involved with dog fighting and eventually lost it all: the endorsements, big contract, fans and eventually his freedom for two years.  After being released from prison, Vick was given a second chance to return to the NFL. He humbled himself and signed a very small contract, compared to what he was making before his arrest. He played very little time and when the following season started he was still coming off the bench. Eventually Vick proved himself and has yet to get into any trouble with law. He’s now the Eagles starting quarterback and is actually starting to regain his respect not only as a player, but also a person.

Life is all about decisions. We’ve seen over time that the people who make bad decisions end up with bad outcomes. We’ve also seen people make the right decisions and end up with great outcomes. I’m encouraging you all to make the right decision!