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“The gang’s allure was wearing thin for me; I still loved hanging with my friends and I enjoyed the parties, but I could see the mindlessness of the fights, the shootings, the drugs. I had a lot of confused feelings and wanted someone to help me sort through them.’’

The quote relates to the theme because Mona needed help finding what was right for her and her future.

The quote also relates to the background because Mona was always in the streets with the gang F-Troop.

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“I always wanted to be a police officer, m’ija. But someone like me … no, not me , I lack an education. These hands are good only for hard work, yes ? But you, someday, you should be a police officer. To show people that a Mexicana can do a good job, too. For respect, for honor, for your raza…”

The quote goes along with the theme because her father was there to tell her that she was able to have a future .

The quote relates to the background because Mona's father wanted her to make a good change to the streets .

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“You’re an idiot not to leave him. You deserve whatever you get.”

The quote goes along with the theme because Mona had her chances to leave him but she didn't.

The quote relates to the background because Mona took long to leave the bad things in her life behind and be proud  of what she became.

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“Eighteen and dead instead of eighteen with a future.”

The quote relates to the theme because death flashed before our eyes. As for Mona and the people she knows.

The quote goes along with the background because most tragedies may occur in the streets.

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“All of it reminded me of when Osuna had pushed me to get my GED. His belief in me made me demand more of myself, and just like that, I felt like I was moving forward in life again.”

The quote goes along with the theme because many people in Mona's life helped her with her dream.

The quote relates to the background because Mona had to push away the streets to be happy.