Black Reflection

I didn’t know that I was Black until the fifth grade. I mean, I always knew that I was Black as in the Black slash African American box I poorly shaded in every year on the CST. But, I was never truly cognizant in the ways in which the melanin in my skin differentiated me from others. During a passing period between classes, I came to a realization of my race. Like hundreds of times before, I entered the dimly lit restroom connected to the cafeteria of my elementary school; but, instead of exiting the restroom, after washing my hands, I caught a glance of my reflection. And, in a small, scratched up mirror, I, for the first time, saw myself — or, at least, I finally saw my melanin in contrast to the pale skin of my peers. Despite growing up in a Black and Brown city, with Black and Brown teachers, I was never taught about or interacted with Black people. Therefore, I think that because everyone I grew up with and everyone I learned about in Inglewood had white skin I assumed that I too had a pale body; that I definitely was not the thin, dark girl standing towards the back of that restroom. As a product of cable television and Latinx dominated GATE classes, I associated Blackness with: the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, That’s So Raven, Mariah Carey, and the random Black …show more content…
During this time, I also hope to serve as a mentor to other low income, youth of color in this time by collaborating with organizations like Upward Bound and The Educational Opportunity Program that helped me apply to and get accepted to college. Ultimately, I want to become a tenured professor at a small, liberal arts college. The concept of being a lifetime learner, continually engaging with scholarship excites me. In addition, I am certain that my background and perspective will be a valuable addition to the