Personal Narrative: How Education Changed My Life

Growing up, I was constantly reminded that I was special, different and determined to change some lives in my path. Aside from my family, I was reminded at school and church. I never fully considered it in due of only wanting to be like the other children, which is what I projected as normality. I was often bullied in school for being raised by my grandmother, having unappealing patches of eczema, and my allergies were laughable. Depending on what was on the school lunch menu, I would eat with a teacher or in the main office. I did not even use the same restrooms as the other children for the reason that I needed a stronger water pressure. I was picked on so frequently that I stopped making an effort to fit in. I cast all of my energy into my school work.

I had great grades and it was all that mattered. I maintained a spot in the top 10% of my classes from middle to high school. As I grew older, I began to understand that life is not about my appearance, but what I knew. In order to survive I needed an education. College was very important for me because I experienced situations that changed my life and my overall view of the world indefinitely.

I started at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in September of 2012. I was immediately taken out of my comfort zone at freshmen orientation. I did not see anyone who looked like me. Luckily, I found a friend that made it easier to make it through my stint at the University. I did not think it could get any worse until I entered the classrooms. I was asked outrageous and insensitive questions on a daily basis. I overheard conversations that were completely chauvinistic and nasty as well as highly offensive