During my elementary and middle school days, some of my peers and family labeled me as "white-washed" because I did not follow the "typical black behavior.” I was accused of forsaking my cultural roots as an African American. However, I knew the complexity of my identity and couldn't be reduced to such simple labels.

Despite the criticisms, I found solace in understanding myself. I cherished the aromatic spices that filled my kitchen and the stories my grandparents shared about their experiences of being black in America. Yet, I also reveled in the freedom to explore new ideas, learned to embrace diverse friendships, and pursue my passions without constraint.

Through my experiences of finding my own identity to resonate with, I learned that my identity was not defined by the labels others placed upon me, but by the richness of my experiences and the depth of my character. I learned to embrace every facet of my identity, celebrating the unique blend of cultures that made me who I am.

In the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, with its bridges spanning the rivers and its skyline punctuated by the steel giants, lay the place I once called home. It had been a decade since I last strolled those familiar streets, since I last inhaled the blend of industrial musk and autumn leaves that hung in the air like a whispered secret. But here I stood, back in my hometown, embarking on a journey of rediscovery.

As I wandered through the streets, memories cascaded back like torrential rain, each corner holding a fragment of my past. There was the park where I spent endless summer afternoons, chasing fireflies and dreaming of adventures beyond the city limits. The houses where my childhood friends once lived, their facades unchanged yet their interiors undoubtedly transformed by time and life. The car rides with my sister, her favorite artists blasting through the windows, who are now mine today. And the church steeple, its silhouette etched against the sky, where my family and I sought solace and community on Sunday mornings.

Yet, amidst the wave of nostalgia, I found myself yearning for something more profound. It wasn't merely the physical spaces that had shaped me, but the intangible essence of who I had become because of them. In the quiet silences between the city's ceaseless bustle, I unearthed a profound realization.

“Home” wasn't merely a dot on a map or a collection of buildings; it was a sensation deeply rooted within me. It was the warmth of belonging, the comfort of being embraced by the collective memories and experiences of those around me. It was the knowledge that no matter where life took me, the essence of my identity would forever be intertwined with the fabric of this city.

I discovered a newfound sense of purpose, a clarity that transcended the confines of time and space. I rekindled passions long dormant within my soul, embracing the romanticized dreams of youth with the seasoned wisdom of adulthood. My heart swelled with the desire to not only reside in my beloved city once more but to pursue my loftiest aspirations with unbridled fervor.

As I bid farewell to the familiar landmarks and well-trodden paths of my hometown, I did so with a sense of bittersweet anticipation. For I knew that this goodbye was not an end, but rather a prelude to a new chapter of my life. Armed with the profound self-discovery gleaned from my journey, I stepped boldly into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever adventures the future held.

And though I traversed distant lands and forged new connections, I carried with me always the indelible imprint of Pittsburgh upon my heart. For no matter where my wanderlust may lead, a piece of my soul will forever remain tethered to the streets and skyscrapers of my hometown, a beacon guiding me home, wherever that may be.

In Greensboro, North Carolina, nestled amidst the rich tapestry of culture and history, stood the esteemed institution known as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. It was here, amid the vibrant pulse of academia and heritage, that I embarked on a transformative journey during an HBCU trip along the East Coast—a journey that would leave an indelible mark on my soul.

As our bus rolled through the gates of NC A&T, anticipation crackled in the air, mingling with the palpable sense of excitement shared by my fellow travelers. Each one of us, united in our quest to explore the richness of college culture, felt the weight of significance in stepping onto a campus where faces mirrored our own.

From the moment we set foot on campus, I was enveloped by a wave of energy—an electric blend of black tradition and unbridled enthusiasm. Everywhere I looked, I witnessed the vibrancy of student life, the fervor of academic pursuit, and the pride of cultural heritage.

Immersing myself in the campus community, I found myself confronted by long-held beliefs and societal assumptions that had shaped my worldview. Raised in a community where higher education for people who looked like me was a rarity, the sight of thriving black scholars at NC A&T shattered those preconceptions, revealing the limitless potential within.

In the hallowed halls adorned with tributes to trailblazing alumni and lecture rooms alive with intellectual discourse, I discovered new realms of knowledge and insight that broadened my horizons and challenged my perspectives.

Though my time on campus was fleeting, the lessons learned and memories made remain etched in my heart—a guiding light on my journey of self-discovery. For within the storied halls of North Carolina A&T, amidst the echoes of generations past and the aspirations of generations to come, I found not only knowledge but also the courage to embrace the fullness of my identity and potential.