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I refer to myself as the connection. I'm the connection, placed right in the middle between the average student
and the "intelligent student." I am also stuck in the middle of the average African-American student and the
"intelligent" African-American student.
I relate to the average African-American student where academics are just not one's forte. But I also relate to
the over-achieving African-American who consistently meets and quite a few times exceeds academic
standards. But one outweighs the other.
I know how it feels to be underestimated time and time again. Semester after semester, I greet new teachers,
new classes. I see the looks of confusion the instructors give me as I walk through the door to their honors
classes. It's as if to say "You must have the wrong class" or "What are you doing here?" I feel the intensity of
their eyes, boiling with doubt and question as I just plop in my seat.
Many teachers I have encountered have prematurely determined my passing of their class with one sizing up
look. Already I can see they have given up on me. But what appears to be isn't always what really is. I make it
my duty time and time again to rise up to the occasion and make those teachers eat their words or their
thoughts, which ever comes first. I am an honor roll student with honors classes.
So my concern is what the journey may be like for those African-American students who don't make the cut?
Are they tossed out the window without even a second thought? Only thought of as a burden and sent on their
way?
I've had English teachers in the past blatantly ask me if I had plagiarized my work; just not accepting that I write
the way I do, my vocabulary is complex, or I can understand and appreciate a sample of poetry
or short novel.
There are so many other teachers who truly believe their students have potential and are capable of doing
anything not based on the color of their skin from the very beginning. It has been a blessing to interact
with them. But these are the experiences that have been imprinted in my memory over the years of being a
FCPS student.
I think the FCPS staff has to help, constantly uplifting the African-American students who fall short. When you
see a young African-American male or female, don't overlook them. Know that they have potential to
get anywhere and do anything; they just need some support, and a hand that is willing to guide. And as a
teacher, that should be a living duty.
For all you Black Students: We must demand the key for our door to success. Do not let society's cookie-cutter
way of thinking keep you earthbound. Know that you can aim for the sky. Even if you can't reach, at
least you can grab a star.
~Ikea Wilson~
"Nothing in Life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." ~Marie Curie
Ikea@blackfrederick.com
and the "intelligent student." I am also stuck in the middle of the average African-American student and the
"intelligent" African-American student.
I relate to the average African-American student where academics are just not one's forte. But I also relate to
the over-achieving African-American who consistently meets and quite a few times exceeds academic
standards. But one outweighs the other.
I know how it feels to be underestimated time and time again. Semester after semester, I greet new teachers,
new classes. I see the looks of confusion the instructors give me as I walk through the door to their honors
classes. It's as if to say "You must have the wrong class" or "What are you doing here?" I feel the intensity of
their eyes, boiling with doubt and question as I just plop in my seat.
Many teachers I have encountered have prematurely determined my passing of their class with one sizing up
look. Already I can see they have given up on me. But what appears to be isn't always what really is. I make it
my duty time and time again to rise up to the occasion and make those teachers eat their words or their
thoughts, which ever comes first. I am an honor roll student with honors classes.
So my concern is what the journey may be like for those African-American students who don't make the cut?
Are they tossed out the window without even a second thought? Only thought of as a burden and sent on their
way?
I've had English teachers in the past blatantly ask me if I had plagiarized my work; just not accepting that I write
the way I do, my vocabulary is complex, or I can understand and appreciate a sample of poetry
or short novel.
There are so many other teachers who truly believe their students have potential and are capable of doing
anything not based on the color of their skin from the very beginning. It has been a blessing to interact
with them. But these are the experiences that have been imprinted in my memory over the years of being a
FCPS student.
I think the FCPS staff has to help, constantly uplifting the African-American students who fall short. When you
see a young African-American male or female, don't overlook them. Know that they have potential to
get anywhere and do anything; they just need some support, and a hand that is willing to guide. And as a
teacher, that should be a living duty.
For all you Black Students: We must demand the key for our door to success. Do not let society's cookie-cutter
way of thinking keep you earthbound. Know that you can aim for the sky. Even if you can't reach, at
least you can grab a star.
~Ikea Wilson~
"Nothing in Life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." ~Marie Curie
Ikea@blackfrederick.com
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Some Of My Experiences as a FCPS Student
Contributed by Ikea Wilson,
BlackFrederick.com Youth Corner Editor
Published May 4, 2008
Contributed by Ikea Wilson,
BlackFrederick.com Youth Corner Editor
Published May 4, 2008