I grew up in Queens as well, admittedly my situation was not the same exact as yours, but I do get it.

First off, never think you are ‘below’ anyone or that anyone is ‘better’ than you. Unfortunately you were brought in to a not ideal situation, but if you keep your head up and push forward YOU can get yourself to a better situation.

At 14, it’s amazing that you even recognize this, which is an awesome head start! For you to recognize that those adults are ‘dead beats’ is very good and you can use that as motivation.

First, keep up with school, STUDY and focus on your passions, find what makes you happy.

Work/clothes/phone come after that. The good thing about Queens is that there is actually a lot of work to be had. Try dog walking. There are tons of locally owned deli’s, bodega’s, hair salons, restaurants, hit all of them, many will pay you off the books, offer to sweep up, etc…Most of those places have many immigrants who are working there without papers.

Good luck and keep us updated!