Translator: Büşra Ay Reviewer: Denise RQ
So, it was a Saturday morning, early dawn, and my first cries could be heard.
In the most urban part of Ghana, Africa. I was labeled a Ghanian.
Some would call it normal; I, a miracle.
My life is not just the most average, but who wants mediocrity?
Now, that's really boring. No offense!
And it may look normal to travel around the world,
but I only viewed it as grace and favor.
My father works for this company known as Bumble Bee Foods.
Due to this, he was constantly on the go
to Thailand, to Australia, China, and many other locales.
So, not that later though, he was based in the Fiji Islands
where my third through six grade took form.
The islands were beautiful, especially where I resided.
In the center of the old capital, Fiji Levuka,
became my new home away from home.
It wasn't always pleasant though
because even in the outskirts, and the tiny island far away
there were many stereotypes.
Even this greatest stereotype of all; the bullies.
It's funny how easy it is to make your life sound so fantastic,
but the truth will always prevail.
So, I guess I will simply tell you a really good story;
hopefully, a good story.
I was bullied not for anything but the color of my skin.
I would love to tell you all that I wasn't fazed by it.
That I'm this mighty child with no soul as my sister calls me.
(Laughter)
But just like you all, I do have a soul,
and I was greatly affected by it.
I still am many times actually,
but don't worry, I'm not going to make the story all sad and moopy
because I really don't like tears, so, it's OK.
But it was an interesting period in my life,
and now that I look back at it I laughed so hard
because the people teasing me were actually a shade or two darker than I am.
So, you know, it's OK.
But with a brand of a darkie or a blackberry
- as always famously labeled -
I'm not really sure which I prefer the phone, just saying.
But I decided I was not good enough to do anything
that made me actually stand out by talking to you guys today.
Because when it all came down to it, I saw my dark skin as a handicap
and that was all that I guessed truly mattered.
I don't think that makes any sense now though.
I would love to say I believe this because I actually grew up.
I would love to say I believe this because I made really good friends
- which I did! -
but that's really not the reason.
I found myself in my faith, and that has been my anchor,
and the only reason I can actually stand before you today.
I traveled back to Ghana in the 7th grade
and I spent an entire year there only to return to the Fiji soon after.
I was not at all excited because I had made really cool friends.
Plus, in Ghana, we were all dark-skinned,
so, you know, it was OK.
I hear didn't hear a tease.
I didn't stick out like a sore thumb
but you know it's more comfortable to be around people just like yourself,
but that's sure it wasn't going to be my destiny at the time.
And at that point, all I could say was, "Gosh, darn it!"
But it's OK, my mom doesn't like curse words anyways.
I'm grateful I left though because this was the year I got to meet
my push and shove, best friend Anna.
It is the year I got to me my mother, and my father, and Christ.
And the year I found myself rooted in the faith.
I was born into a Christian family
but being born into the family is sort of meaningless.
Because just because I'm born into a family of doctors
does not mean I'm a doctor because I hate blood.
So, I'm not going to be a doctor anyways.
So, yes; this was the year I learned
I was so much more than the color of my skin,
that I have a much better future ahead of me
That has nothing to do with my gender, my race, or my height.
Now, at this moment, at this time, I can gladly stand and say
that I really don't care what anyone else says about me.
It's easy to care. It's really easy to stress out.
But we're all so different
and that should never really be a bad thing.
I heard a comparison in English class this year that I love,
and it was between being a cow and being a rhino.
And the thing is a rhino charges for what it wants
while a cow quietly watches life goes by.
I have decided I will live my life as a rhino,
and I hope you do, too.
But if you don't, I will not judge you
because without cows we'd have no beef burgers.
So, it's OK.
(Laughter)
So, seeing as I'm out of time and not out of words,
I will end with a Ralph Waldo quote,
that says that, "To be yourself in a world
that is constantly trying to make you something else
is the greatest accomplishment."
So, no matter how people try to paint you, remember to always be yourself.
Thank you.
(Applause)