"It wasn't until college until that I realized my efforts to succeed in school were fueled by a need, an undefined want to find a place where I would simply be." (850)
   Growing up as a black female, I have always had deal with being different. I have always been the only or one of the few black girls in my class and it's something that I have learned to deal with. At first, I never really noticed that I was the only black girl in my classes, but as I grew up I started to notice that I was very different from my classmates. Over time I realized that there was nothing wrong with being different, but i longed to have friends that looked like me. When I came to college I found myself gravitating to the black community. This is because I was looking for a place to simply be. Even though I do have a lot of great white friends, there is something about having people in your circle who look just like you and are going through similar situations as you. On the other hand, since I have been to college, I have enjoyed meeting so many different people from different backgrounds. Every culture has a different view on life, the United States, and freedom. "The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of the people."(unknown) Learning about every one's different perspectives has allowed me to broaden my horizons and see things differently. Growing up in San Antonio, majority of my friends were Hispanic. San Antonio has deep traditions heavily influenced by Mexican Culture.

Every year in April we have a huge celebration known as fiesta. Fiesta is a ten day festival that started in 1891 as a parade to remember the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. There are several different events and parties that take place to celebrate all of the different cultures of San Antonio. Growing up in a city that cares so much about diversity has helped mold me into a very open minded person. I am very thankful for my childhood and everything it taught me.

"It was as if his college experience allowed the cultural and ethnic traits that has been absent during his early life to be born."(857) 
  Before coming to college, I had never been interested in learning about African culture. I have always been interested and learned about African American culture/ history that started when we were brought to America from Africa. However, since I have been at UT I have met a countless number of African Americans who have talked to me about African culture. This can be anywhere from the music they listen to, the different types of dashikis, the food, and even what part of Africa they come from. I realized that there was a whole part of me that I knew absolutely nothing about. I have enjoyed learning so far and I cannot wait to go home and share all of the information I have learned with my family. "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." (Marcus Garvey)

"My racial profile eludes my facial style./ I don't look the part./ and I am black by association./" (873)

   Growing up around predominately white and hispanic kids, I have always been called an oreo. An oreo is someone who is black, but according to society acts white. This is something that I would be called by other black kids as well as other races too.  I would usually go home confused and didn't understand why people would call me that. As I got older, I realized that people called me that because I spoke proper english, had manners, and wasn't a stereotypical black girl. I have learned to just let this go in one ear and out the other, but it's something that I feel needs to stop. I don't want

little kids to be ashamed of who they are, just because they are different from what society says they should be. Every person is not the same and everyone comes from various backgrounds and experiences. There is nothing wrong with someone hanging out with other people who are different races than them and this is something that should be celebrated. The United States should be a place where our differences are celebrated, not dismissed. "If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." (John F. Kennedy)