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This song resonates with me because it reflects a moment in my life where I realized the need for personal growth and change. The lyrics talk about overcoming struggles and the desire to improve oneself, something that mirrors my own journey of self-discovery. I connected with this song when I faced challenges and needed a reminder that change is always possible.

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"Long Journey" is a song that really speaks to me because it reflects the struggles I’ve faced in my own life. The lyrics talk about pushing through tough times and staying focused on the bigger picture, even when things seem impossible. I can relate to this feeling of being on a long, difficult journey and having to find strength in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard things get, the journey is worth it if you keep moving forward.

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"Going Through Things" is a song that really hits home for me. The lyrics express feelings of struggle and emotional turmoil, which are experiences I’ve gone through myself. The song captures the raw emotion of trying to keep it together while dealing with personal challenges. It resonates with me because it reminds me that it’s okay to feel down sometimes, but it’s important to keep pushing through and take things one day at a time.

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Mozzy & KalenFRFR, "Where I Come From," 2024

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Mozzy & KalenFRFR, "Where I Come From," 2024

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“Where I Come From” really resonates with me because it speaks to the importance of staying grounded and remembering your roots, no matter where life takes you. The song highlights the struggles and experiences that shape who we are, and it reminds me of my own journey and the people and places that have influenced me. It’s a reminder to always stay true to myself and never forget where I started, no matter how much things change.

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“God Is” reminds me of the sense of peace I’ve found through family and faith. Like Kanye in this song, I’ve learned to acknowledge and appreciate the higher power that guides me through tough moments and motivates me to keep striving for success.

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This song represents my ambition and desire to create a future beyond my circumstances. Growing up in a diverse community with mixed challenges, I’ve always pushed myself to achieve more. Lil Baby’s lyrics about success and self-belief resonate with my own drive to break through barriers.

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Roddy Ricch’s “Ballin’” captures the feeling of triumph after facing struggles. Like many, I’ve had setbacks, but the song’s energy represents the success that comes from persistence and not letting hardships define my future.

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This song speaks to personal growth and staying true to oneself. It reminds me of the challenges I’ve faced in my neighborhood and how I’ve learned to keep moving forward while staying grounded, just like Nipsey’s message of hustle and resilience.

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My youth, as I define it, spans from my early teens to the present day. It was a period marked by learning about myself and the world around me, shaped by the family I was born into and the environment I grew up in. Living in Lake City, a diverse neighborhood, my experiences were influenced by both the challenges and privileges that came with my background. These themes of family and environment, and the way they intersect with my education and future aspirations, have played a significant role in my personal growth and understanding of who I am.

Growing up, my family was everything to me. They were the driving force behind the life I live today. My parents came to the United States with the hope of providing better opportunities for their children. Their hard work and sacrifices taught me that nothing should be taken for granted. This lesson resonates deeply with me, especially as I navigate life as a young adult. Watching my mom in particular, a woman who faced many hardships but always managed to lift me up no matter the circumstance, made me realize how essential it is to stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter the setbacks. A memory that sticks with me is after a particularly bad basketball game, when I felt like I had let myself down. My mom didn’t criticize or lecture me. Instead, she reminded me that everyone has bad days, but the key is to learn from them and keep striving for improvement. Her words have stayed with me, and they fuel my determination in everything I do.

The impact of my family also extends to how I view the opportunities I’ve had, particularly in education and employment. Growing up in Lake City, a community that was diverse in terms of race, culture, and economic background, I was acutely aware of the disparities in opportunities between different groups. Many of my peers faced challenges related to class and race, which shaped the way we approached our education and career goals. I recognized that education was not just a pathway to personal success but also a way to break free from the limitations imposed by my environment. However, I also noticed that systemic barriers often limited the access to higher education for some, including myself. While I had the privilege of having supportive parents, I knew that not everyone in my neighborhood had the same support system, which motivated me to work hard and seek out opportunities that could help me create a different future.

The neighborhood itself also had a profound impact on my experience of youth. Lake City was vibrant and diverse, with a park that became my second home. It was there that I met some of my closest friends, many of whom still remain a part of my life today. The park was a central gathering spot where people of all backgrounds came together, and it played a significant role in shaping my social life. However, the neighborhood also faced challenges, particularly with rising homelessness, which became more visible as I grew older. This was a difficult reality to confront, and while I’ve thought about ways to improve the area, I feel that I lack the resources to truly make a difference. Nonetheless, I hope that one day I can contribute to bettering my community in meaningful ways.

The intersection of family and environment shaped my understanding of both social and economic realities. My family’s immigrant background influenced my drive for success, while my environment exposed me to the harsh realities of inequality. As I’ve pursued education and employment opportunities, I’ve been keenly aware of how race and class intersect to determine access to resources and opportunities. My experiences have pushed me to work harder, strive for excellence, and seek ways to give back to those who may not have had the same opportunities I’ve had.

Two songs that perfectly capture the essence of my youth are “Somebody Loves You” by Baby Money and “No Deal” by Rod Wave. Both of these songs reflect the emotional backdrop of my life, offering comfort and motivation through their lyrics.

“Somebody Loves You” by Baby Money (released in 2021) is a song that reminds me that no matter what I go through, there’s always love and support out there. The lyrics, “It don’t matter what you going through, somebody love you,” resonate deeply with me, particularly during times when I’ve felt uncertain or low. It serves as a reminder that I am loved, regardless of my struggles or imperfections, and that message has always been comforting.

“No Deal” by Rod Wave (released in 2020) is another song that speaks to the harsh realities of life and the importance of staying true to oneself. The line, “I told ‘em my dreams, they ain’t believe this,” reflects the doubts and challenges I’ve faced in pursuing my goals. It reminds me to keep pushing forward, even when others may not understand or believe in my vision. This song fuels my determination to prove myself, not just to others, but to myself as well.

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Natnael, means 'Gift of God.' My parents chose this name because they loved the sound of it and felt it perfectly fit me. Growing up with a name that has such a meaningful and positive significance has always been something I carry with pride. It reminds me that I am a blessing in my family's life and motivates me to live up to the hopes and expectations they had for me. The meaning of my name is a constant source of inspiration for me to do my best in everything I do."

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"My black brothers and sisters — no one will know who we are . . . until we know who we are!"

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"My black brothers and sisters — no one will know who we are . . . until we know who we are!"

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— Malcolm X, Chapter 14, page 257

Explanation:

This quote speaks to the importance of understanding one’s identity and history. For me, it aligns with the journey I’ve taken in recognizing my Ethiopian heritage. Growing up in the U.S., I was always aware of how my background shaped my experiences and opportunities, but it was only as I got older that I truly embraced my culture. Like Malcolm X, I came to understand that my identity—who I am and where I come from—directly impacts how I view the world and how the world sees me. This idea of self-awareness and pride in one's heritage motivates me to continue learning about my roots and to carry that knowledge with pride.

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"I’ve often thought that if Mr. Ostrowski had encouraged me to become a lawyer, I would today probably be among some city’s professional black bourgeoisie, sipping cocktails and palming myself off as a community spokesman for and leader of the suffering black masses, while my primary concern would be to grab a few more crumbs from the groaning board of the two-faced whites with whom they’re begging to ‘integrate.’"

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"I’ve often thought that if Mr. Ostrowski had encouraged me to become a lawyer, I would today probably be among some city’s professional black bourgeoisie, sipping cocktails and palming myself off as a community spokesman for and leader of the suffering black masses, while my primary concern would be to grab a few more crumbs from the groaning board of the two-faced whites with whom they’re begging to ‘integrate.’"

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— Malcolm X, Chapter 15, Page 305

Explanation:

In this passage, Malcolm X critiques the complacency that can arise from success in white-dominated institutions, and the idea of 'integration' as a means of securing personal gain. For me, this quote speaks to the tension I often feel between striving for personal success and staying connected to my community. In my own life, I’ve been aware of how opportunities in education and career can sometimes distance individuals from their roots, especially when trying to fit into mainstream (and often white-dominated) spaces. Malcolm X's critique reminds me to stay grounded in the struggles and experiences of my community while pursuing personal goals.

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“A holiday celebration with my family, cutting cake and sharing moments of joy. Holidays have always been a special time for us to come together, creating lasting memories that shape my sense of belonging and tradition.”

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“A holiday celebration with my family, cutting cake and sharing moments of joy. Holidays have always been a special time for us to come together, creating lasting memories that shape my sense of belonging and tradition.”

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Graduation day—a culmination of years of hard work, challenges, and personal growth. This moment symbolizes not just academic achievement but the strength and determination that have carried me through every obstacle. It’s a reminder that no matter the hurdles, perseverance always leads to new beginnings.”

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Graduation day—a culmination of years of hard work, challenges, and personal growth. This moment symbolizes not just academic achievement but the strength and determination that have carried me through every obstacle. It’s a reminder that no matter the hurdles, perseverance always leads to new beginnings.”

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A cherished memory from a family gathering. These moments were filled with laughter and connection, and they represent the love and traditions that have shaped who I am. Family has always been my anchor, and these gatherings are where I learned the importance of togetherness and belonging

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A cherished memory from a family gathering. These moments were filled with laughter and connection, and they represent the love and traditions that have shaped who I am. Family has always been my anchor, and these gatherings are where I learned the importance of togetherness and belonging

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A snapshot from a few years ago with some of my closest friends. Our bond goes beyond shared memories; it’s about the support, laughter, and growth we’ve experienced together. Friendships like these remind me of the importance of surrounding myself with people who lift me up and share in both the good and challenging times

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A snapshot from a few years ago with some of my closest friends. Our bond goes beyond shared memories; it’s about the support, laughter, and growth we’ve experienced together. Friendships like these remind me of the importance of surrounding myself with people who lift me up and share in both the good and challenging times

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The park has always been a place of peace and reflection for me. Whether it was a spot to escape, think, or simply enjoy nature, it represents the balance between the busyness of life and the need to slow down. It’s a space where I’ve found comfort, and it holds many memories of moments spent with family and friends

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The park has always been a place of peace and reflection for me. Whether it was a spot to escape, think, or simply enjoy nature, it represents the balance between the busyness of life and the need to slow down. It’s a space where I’ve found comfort, and it holds many memories of moments spent with family and friends

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You're so in your head you can't enjoy where you are.' This quote reminds me to be present in the moment and not get too caught up in my thoughts. It’s a lesson I’ve learned over time—that sometimes, the best way to experience life is to simply be in it, without overanalyzing or worrying about what’s next

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You're so in your head you can't enjoy where you are.' This quote reminds me to be present in the moment and not get too caught up in my thoughts. It’s a lesson I’ve learned over time—that sometimes, the best way to experience life is to simply be in it, without overanalyzing or worrying about what’s next

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Basketball has always been more than just a game for me. It’s been my therapy, my escape, and my way of processing emotions. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, playing basketball helps me clear my mind and reconnect with myself. It’s a constant reminder of the balance between passion, focus, and personal growth

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Basketball has always been more than just a game for me. It’s been my therapy, my escape, and my way of processing emotions. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, playing basketball helps me clear my mind and reconnect with myself. It’s a constant reminder of the balance between passion, focus, and personal growth

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Getting cut from the basketball team in 8th grade was a tough blow. It felt like a personal failure, but it pushed me to work even harder. Instead of giving up, I channeled that frustration into improving my skills. That experience taught me the value of resilience, and it shaped my dedication to the sport. Sometimes, setbacks are just the fuel needed for greater success.

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Getting cut from the basketball team in 8th grade was a tough blow. It felt like a personal failure, but it pushed me to work even harder. Instead of giving up, I channeled that frustration into improving my skills. That experience taught me the value of resilience, and it shaped my dedication to the sport. Sometimes, setbacks are just the fuel needed for greater success.

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Over the years, I’ve focused on staying true to myself and trusting that everything will work out in the end. Life has its ups and downs, but I’ve learned to leave things in God’s hands, knowing that my path is already unfolding. This mindset has helped me stay grounded and at peace, no matter what challenges come my way. I've come to realize that faith and self-awareness are key to personal growth

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Over the years, I’ve focused on staying true to myself and trusting that everything will work out in the end. Life has its ups and downs, but I’ve learned to leave things in God’s hands, knowing that my path is already unfolding. This mindset has helped me stay grounded and at peace, no matter what challenges come my way. I've come to realize that faith and self-awareness are key to personal growth

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My mom once told me, ‘The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win.’ This quote stuck with me throughout high school and beyond. Whenever I felt like giving up, it reminded me that perseverance is key to success. It taught me that challenges are part of the journey, and the true victory comes from pushing through, no matter the obstacles.

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My mom once told me, ‘The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win.’ This quote stuck with me throughout high school and beyond. Whenever I felt like giving up, it reminded me that perseverance is key to success. It taught me that challenges are part of the journey, and the true victory comes from pushing through, no matter the obstacles.

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When my grandmother passed away, it felt like a piece of me left with her. That piece of love and care she gave me is something I still miss every day. Words can’t fully describe how much I loved her or the impact she had on my life. Her presence is something I carry with me, even though she's no longer here, and that love continues to shape who I am

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When my grandmother passed away, it felt like a piece of me left with her. That piece of love and care she gave me is something I still miss every day. Words can’t fully describe how much I loved her or the impact she had on my life. Her presence is something I carry with me, even though she's no longer here, and that love continues to shape who I am

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Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown over the years. Every experience, whether joyous or challenging, has shaped who I am today. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust myself more and become more resilient. I’ve learned that growth is often subtle and takes time, but each step forward counts.

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Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown over the years. Every experience, whether joyous or challenging, has shaped who I am today. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust myself more and become more resilient. I’ve learned that growth is often subtle and takes time, but each step forward counts.