Living young, educated and mixed isn't as easy as it seems. Going to a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) for the greater years of education made attending an HBCU (Historically Black College University) out of the question. It definitely changed my life forever. I ran into an all new experience and it gave me a different outlook on life. Some things were good, of course, and others were bad. Being mixed, you'd think it's easier to fit in and get along, but sometimes that's the challenge.
When going to a PWI, kids would look at me like I was ghetto, as if my family didn't have any money and that my dad wasn't in my life. Except I wasn't ghetto, my family made a good amount of money and my dad is in my life. But people continued to treat me like a stereotype. Stereotypes are what killed me during school because it has affected me my whole life. Going to an HBCU did not help much either. I'm older now, so I understand just a bit more than I did before. Now I'm being told I'm too white. People would ask me, "So do you feel black now?" or "Why did you get your hair done that way?" Oh, and don't let me forget this question: "So how does it feel to be around so many black people?"
That's basically how the first semester went at college, and it seems like I can't catch a break. I don't feel like my color defines me, nor does the school I attend. I was joining organizations, pageants and getting involved, and still, other people could only ask me how if feels to be at an HBCU. It was the best experience ever and it taught me a lot. I can honestly say that at any school that I've ever been to, they have taught me a lesson. The only thing you can do is be you and be the best you can be. That means that no matter how black or white I am, I am the only one who can go anywhere and just be me. I'm the only person that can define me. I am young, educated and mixed. Nobody can deny that because that's what defines me.
