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Personal Narrative: My Childhood To A Typical American

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I still faintly remember the way my mother carried me as a toddler. She would wrap me in a colorful, African cloth and tie my to her back, knotting the cloth in front. I would rest my head on my mother’s back, listening to her steady heartbeat as it lulled me to sleep. When I try to compare my childhood to a typical American girl’s, I realize each time that I can't, even though I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Most American children didn't grow up watching “Nollywood” films, playing mancala, or eating fufu. Most American children weren't rocked to sleep on their mothers backs. What differentiates me is that though my house is located in the America, I am Nigerian at heart. Growing up Nigerian in America created a few challenges; however …show more content…

All my life, I’ve been encouraged to make good grades and put forth my best effort in everything I do. I feel as though my work ethic is innate, a trait passed to me from my parents. It is said that immigrants work harder to achieve more because they came from less, and I don’t disagree. In my household, we dedicate ourselves to whatever we do. Growing up with this mindset has made me a very hard worker, earning all A’s and only two B’s in my whole career of schooling. I continue to challenge myself by taking difficult courses while giving my time to numerous extra-curricular …show more content…

As a second-generation immigrant, I didn’t automatically fit in, especially in middle school. I was teased for my roots, with the phrase, “African Booty-Scratcher,” and the color of my skin, even by those of the same shade of skin as me. However, I didn’t think a thing of it; I was unaffected by their remarks because of the pride I have in who I am. My culture gives me my pride. It was tough to find my place in society until I realized that I wasn’t meant to just exist in society: I was meant to lead it. I have grown into a leader in my school and in my community, being truly reliable and taking initiative to do what is

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