I didn't have the traditional Urban American struggle as an upbringing as most African Americans. My background is different, and from my background being different, I consider it as my struggle.

By being brought up in Suburban America, I made the choose to live in Urban America.  I trained myself to survive in two separate, societies within America.   

I learned early in life how to humble myself as a child, and I learned how to appreciate living. I was taught to be a giver, and never a taker.  By having a structured upbringing, my outlook on life had been different. 

Throughout high school, the only hurdle I tried to accomplish was trying to fit in with Suburban white America, I was looked at differently.  I was teased, taunted, and bullied about my African American features throughout school while growing up in Atwater, CA.  I hated my figure as a black woman, and I began to hate myself.  I allowed others to define me, instead of allowing me to define myself.

Growing up between Richmond, CA, and Atwater, CA, I felt more at home in Richmond, CA, because I was able to define myself within a Urban community.

Being raised in two separate environments taught me how to be myself, and how to become outspoken.  It taught me that the most Perilous weapon for an African American was to have is Education.  Respect Is compelling, however, Education is deadly.