Tyler Brown,
Ellenwood, GA

I chose the phrase “Always searching for where I belong” because it encapsulates my journey as a young black female who grew up in predominantly white environments. Throughout my childhood, I often felt out of place, struggling to find my identity because of different cultural influences. My hair, skin color, and even culture were constantly put on a critical pedestal. Up until middle school; I attended a predominately white charter school; and due to this environment, I spent my early years with many negative thoughts and feelings about myself. During middle and high school, I had the fortune of, not only, being around people who looked like me, but individuals from other cultures and backgrounds, Being exposed to various cultures, I’ve come to appreciate mine and others, however, I still struggled with a few of the same feelings that stemmed from my early school years. Attending an HBCU has been transformative, allowing me to connect more deeply with my culture and the experiences of others who share similar backgrounds. This ongoing search for belonging and self-acceptance emphasizes the significance of celebrating our unique identities in a world where racial and cultural differences can often create feelings of isolation.