6/5/2019 Personal Statement Essay - Google Docs

Derek Brown

Mrs. Stephan

Career Development BDF-4

25 February 2019

Personal Statement

“Are you sure?” His words shot from his lips, pierced the brisk night air, and struck

me like a slap to the cheek.

One Friday night, my car cruised down the street, laughter ringing throughout the air

as my two friends and I recalled events from the previous day. As I made a right turn onto a

busy street, I could see the police cruiser through my mirror. I immediately tensed up. My

mother had always told me to be careful around police officers when driving. Constantly

checking my rear-view mirror, I continued to drive along. Until I heard the siren. As the

bright-red glare of his lights burst through the air, our laughter dissipated and anxiety

overtook our faces. I obediently pulled my car over, as the lights beckoned me to do so, and

parked on the side of a busy street in our community.

As the officer approached the car, he said to me, “Do you live around here?”

I replied “Yes.”

And then bellowed those very words: “Are you sure?”

I knew then and I know now that he was referring to the color of my skin. He did not

think I belonged. Growing up in a rich, affluent, and ultimately white environment, I have

been acutely aware of my differences, and these differences have led me to feel as though I

do not belong or fit in. I can recall countless times in which I have felt disconnected and

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6/5/2019 Personal Statement Essay - Google Docs

isolated from my peers as a result of our cultural differences. I have many memories of times

when I felt unable to share my cultural viewpoints for fear of ridicule. Most of all, I have felt

the burning stares of my classmates when the topic of discussion in the classroom is racism,

slavery, or the civil rights movement. I hated the fact that I was different. Accordingly, I

made fruitless attempts to morph myself into another person I could never be; to not be the

unusual black boy in the room everyone questioned because he looked so different and came

from a dissimilar background. Yet again, I was a black dot in a room full of white people.

However, I made a choice to not allow my blackness be the utmost barrier that stood

between me and my goals. I joined various clubs such as National Honor Society, Student

Council, and Spanish Club, rising the ranks and becoming officers in all of them. The fall of

my junior year, I began mentoring an African American fifth grader at the elementary school

in our district who, like me, was different. Not only was it good for him because he had a role

model who looked like him, but it was good for me because I could help him navigate

through being black in a predominantly white environment. He has also taught me some

things too. He introduced me to the world of Pokemon, taught me how to draw them, and

shown me how to play certain video games. However, most of all, he has shown me how to

be happy. He has shown me how to be comfortable with who I am and continue to strive for

better things despite my differences. Through his vivacity and enthusiasm, I have learned not

to view my race as a deterrent or hindrance, but rather a unique difference that sets me apart

from those around me.

Funny enough, the officer was right. I don’t belong and I don’t fit in. But I am happy

with that. I embrace my individualism and uniqueness that comes with the color of my skin.

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6/5/2019 Personal Statement Essay - Google Docs

In the past, I would have been offended by the incident with the police officer, but now, I am

empowered by it. His question of my belonging only inspired to use my blackness and

difference to achieve higher goals. No longer will I change myself to fit someone else’s

standard.

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