I grew up in New York City at a PWI private school. In my entire educational career there, there were 5 black children, including me, in my grade. I then moved to Virginia, which was another almost completely white dominated space. I chose Howard because I know that I am going to spend the rest of my life being compared to white people, and I wanted a few years surrounded by people that look like me. People who want to lift me up and support me in everything I am. Coming to Howard, it was the first time I had ever seen that many black people in one place. Walking out of my dorm and being surrounded by people who look like me has been such an incredible experience and has truly changed me as a person. Ever since I began my matriculation at Howard last year, I've become much more confident in my hair, style, voice, and so much more. This school has gotten me to come out of my shell, making way more friends than I've ever had. I've met utterly genuine people who make me better in every way, support my goals, and uplift me emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I am so incredibly grateful to attend this university, and I can't imagine going anywhere else.