What does that mean, when people say, "make it out" when it comes to an area that's labeled as dangerous? I grew up in Los Angeles. One former instructional assitant from Agoura High School, where I ended up attending high school taught that I came from t

The phrase "make it out" usually refers to successfully escaping a difficult or dangerous environment, particularly one associated with crime, violence, or other negative influences. In the context of areas labeled as "dangerous," it implies that individuals are able to leave that environment, often to pursue better opportunities or to lead a safer and more stable life elsewhere. In your situation, your experience reflects some common perceptions and realities associated with growing up in areas that may have a reputation for danger, like South Central Los Angeles. While your neighborhood might have had its challenges, it sounds like your personal experiences were not directly characterized by violence or crime, especially given your friend’s gang activities were not troublesome in your vicinity. Your father's decision to move was motivated by a desire for better educational opportunities rather than solely for safety reasons, which highlights how complex family decisions can be. The assumptions made by classmates and teachers about what your life might have been like had you attended a different school indicate a tendency to generalize experiences based on geographic and social perceptions, which isn't always accurate. Ultimately, the narrative around places like South Central can overshadow the diverse experiences of individuals who live there, and "making it out" can take many forms, depending on personal circumstances, aspirations, and definitions of success.