I

I am courage. Every day I set foot in a Predominantly White Institution, a place where Black women are most hated, and walk with my head high and my nose in the air, as I know by just being here, I am causing discomfort. 

I am a provoker. I acknowledge this discomfort, yet I do not care, for I BELONG here. I do not know the meaning of affirmative action, nor am I familiar with affluence.

I am persistence. No matter how inferior society sees me as, I will still come out on top. I am not a stereotype.

I am excellence. As are all Black students. Though we must work two times harder than our white counterparts, still we persist, determined to live our dreams. 

I am the future. One of the many determined to prove those who believe the stereotypes wrong.

I am Black. Every day I wake up in my beautiful brown skin and smile as I think about how intimidating it is, for I know that society is right to be intimidated by it, for I will cause hell in all social and professional environments I set foot in. My strength will be felt, my intellect admired, and my professionalism feared. For I am no ordinary woman. I am an educated Black woman, the true menace to society.