I breathe air that seems to have a strong scent. I go in the car without ever thinking about preparing for potholes. I look around without ever seeing anyone suffering or begging for food. I see children dancing and laughing with another on the playground. And with everything I perceive I see an opportunity ready to be seized. Coming from a third world country, where you don't see many opportunities in the whole country, my family was given a chance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay My family and I left the comforts of Ghana and became residents of Kirkland Washington, months before my first birthday. I quickly realized the difference between me and many other kids at school. Growing up, I quickly realized that I was different or an outcast. At school the kids had known each other for years and being African wasn't "cool". I, however, was proud of my culture and fully embraced it. Almost every day throughout elementary school, my mother sat me down and told me “never forget your roots and who you are, because every other role to play is taken, so be you.” “In retrospect, I learned to appreciate those conversations. In my years at school, the young mills of this era had placed me within stereotypical boundaries. Being African meant that I was not black or African-American, and while I understood some of the reasons , I was shocked when a dark-skinned boy who shared many of the same traits as me declared us different African American then I should declare my love for fried chicken and watermelon because that's what people like. These students with their ignorant young minds unknowingly made clear to me the struggle of remaining an African American in a high-pressure environment. about me becoming African American. At eleven years old I was forced to realize that my actions will continue to be compared to these stereotypes. From this self-awareness I began to create my own boundaries and position within this judgmental society I found myself in. I made a conscious effort to engage in behavior that challenged customary perceptions of African Americans. I continued to prove to myself and those around me that not only are we capable of dismantling these negative connotations about our culture, but we are also capable of elevating our cultural significance. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Over the years I have entered multiple fields, such as speaking to large crowds and creating my own business that embraces my culture and the spectacular, extraordinary things in life that people don't see. Many African children who move to the United States at a young age often lose the fight to preserve their African identity and culture. This failure to adapt without full assimilation has become a barrier between families and friends. Today, as I mature and navigate this world, I draw on my experiences to ensure I understand the meaning of willingly embracing the traditions of my culture without shame..