Reflective Essay On Race And Ethnicity

As a young African-American woman, I am often faced with the statistics that define my race and ethnicity. Statistics from jbhe.com and usnews.com says: "Black students graduate rate stands at an appallingly 42 percent compared to the 62 percent of Whites; Black college graduates are twice as likely as Whites to struggle to find jobs; People with 'Black-sounding names' had to send out 50 percent more job applications than people with 'White-sounding names' just to get a call back. " How can I ever grow from such statics that define my race, when the system is against our odds? I am appalled that the color of my skin weighs heavier than my actual intellect. My life has basically been determined for me before I even began to pave my own path.
I plan to take the initiative to be one of the African-American's that break the odds against our race. I am more than just an African-American statistic! Moreover, I will stop at no means to prove this! I am destined for greatness and in the next five years I see myself as a college graduate who has studied abroad and has opened the door to many influential businesses and unique business ideas. College is just the beginning to the journey I will take to my overall success. Once I am in college passing my classes will not only be my intent, but also being able to say I was there and made my mark!

Going to college means more to me than being able to say I have made it to a successful start. One of my lifelong ambitions is to be able to give back to the less fortunate. Through a community service event I've realized some things should not be taken for granted, especially when there are poverty-stricken families that have to worry about a simple meal for their children at night. Thus, I will not let the false perception of society about my race determine legacy, the amount of degrees I earn or limit my