Personal Statement
A friend recently told me “Don’t let the things you can’t control, control you”. I realized how much this small piece of advice relates to my life as an African American woman. I can’t control the fact that I don’t live with- or even know- my father. I can’t control how society perceives people of color. But I control what I do. I have discovered that I embody the ability to beat the odds given to a black, fatherless girl. I can be who I want to be with hard work and determination.
Unfortunately, my father embodies the stereotype of a man of color who neglects his children. At my fourth birthday party my Mother and Father had an argument over the fact that I was eating sausage pizza. This seems so microscopic to people, but my father is Muslim and this act was just not okay. This problem later resulted in an argument and physical altercation. A restraining order was then placed and I was prevented from seeing him. I’d like to be able to say that this hasn’t impacted my life, that my mom and step-dad did a wonderful job at raising me, but I would be lying. I wish I was able to know the other side of me. I think that this has held me back from being able to know my own family or connect with other people.
To connect with other people I turned to sports. When I decided to play volleyball I had to learn to break down the walls that made it hard for me to connect with people. I was mainly afraid of getting to know someone and have them walk out of my life forever. When I overcame that step, I was relieved. I felt more liberated and willing to talk to new people and expand my horizons as it came to friendships. All throughout high school I played volleyball, which happens to be my first love. By playing volleyball I’ve been able to get more involved in the Denver community. One of the things that I’m proud to have been a part of was volunteering at the Colfax Marathon. My favorite part was cheering on all the runners and making them smile. It was such a
Unfortunately, my father embodies the stereotype of a man of color who neglects his children. At my fourth birthday party my Mother and Father had an argument over the fact that I was eating sausage pizza. This seems so microscopic to people, but my father is Muslim and this act was just not okay. This problem later resulted in an argument and physical altercation. A restraining order was then placed and I was prevented from seeing him. I’d like to be able to say that this hasn’t impacted my life, that my mom and step-dad did a wonderful job at raising me, but I would be lying. I wish I was able to know the other side of me. I think that this has held me back from being able to know my own family or connect with other people.
To connect with other people I turned to sports. When I decided to play volleyball I had to learn to break down the walls that made it hard for me to connect with people. I was mainly afraid of getting to know someone and have them walk out of my life forever. When I overcame that step, I was relieved. I felt more liberated and willing to talk to new people and expand my horizons as it came to friendships. All throughout high school I played volleyball, which happens to be my first love. By playing volleyball I’ve been able to get more involved in the Denver community. One of the things that I’m proud to have been a part of was volunteering at the Colfax Marathon. My favorite part was cheering on all the runners and making them smile. It was such a