For most of my life I had lived in the black and Latino community. Neither of my parents had graduated from middle school and I was the first in my family to ever enter a college campus. By contrast, most of my1 came from generations of well educated family and had grown up in2 white suburbs. In the college,3 sharing with others how I was feeling, I closed myself and thought I could get through it if I just4 study. However, during the weeks before the winter break, I finally decided I would drop out.5 , that wasn't the end of the story. I found6 and guidance to continue to finish my college.
Consulting provided me with space to7 my emotions. My consultant provided me with books and other8 to understand what I was experiencing and she helped me feel powerful. Volunteering with a campus organization provided me with a constant9 of why I was in college. My interactions with students, who reminded me so much of my own friends at home, inspired me to work for10 to higher education for low income youth. I also11 in a summer urban program, where I cooperated with a group of student leaders to start a conference to talk about12 of race and class.
13 is power. I read books and chose courses to learn more about topics14 to immigration, race, social class and urban education. These courses and books helped me15 a much deeper understanding of my own racial experiences of oppression. Most importantly, I was equipped with the knowledge I needed to work against injustice and inequality.
