This essay was written by a guy about my age who also happened to be black. It was something he struggled with all of his life because he didn’t “act black” or wear “gangsta clothes”. He was also very smart, and on his first day of high school, he walked into his Honors Math class where immediately people thought he was lost. “What is a black kid doing in honors?” he heard one kid not so quietly whisper. Throughout most of the essay we get a glimpse of his struggle, and what he believes through it all. He believes in being true to himself. Yes, he wears tighter clothes than people expect him to, and he talks different and is in Honors classes, but that’s what makes him himself. He is staying true, and he wont change himself just to avoid stares and comments.

What intrigued me the most about this piece was the fact that people do make a bid deal when others do things or are something they aren’t “supposed to do or be”. It’s amazing that he stood strong through all the difficult times and situations.

I think in order to have a good This I Believe essay, the writer has to let the reader into their lives and emotions. Most of the essays I read were about overcoming struggles and hard times, and also sharing life experiences.