When I was 15.

15. What a complicated time. This is the year where we as young black women learn many things about ourselves while trying to maneuver through the chaos that is high school. Depending on the setting you may see less and less black girl magic around you (don’t lose hope!). Trying to fit in and stand out all at once. Pressure to be great without being a nerd but smart enough to not be considered unintelligent. Running away from certain stereotypes while fully embracing others to fit in with the ideas of your white counterparts that make up the majority of your school. 15 was all about staying afloat somewhere in the middle of it all. This was my life at 15….oh 15. When I was 15, I learned a valuable lesson about being yourself and utilizing your talents to get there. Embracing your talents and quirks to be your best self. At 15, I searched for a way to express myself. I needed an outlet that could allow me to be myself and where I could be seen for more than the goofy, talkative girl my friends and family perceived me as…I wanted to be taken seriously. During the fall of that year, I decided to audition for a play at my high school and finally muster up the courage to actually sing in front of an audience. I was the only cocoa colored girl in the audition space and I instantly felt like an outcast, nervously trying to talk myself out of this situation. When it was finally my turn on stage and stood there nervously, palms sweating, and a throat filled with lumps. I closed my eyes as I walked on stage and instantly felt warm as I moved through the monologue swiftly with appropriate pauses. The singing portion came, and I felt elevated as each note left my mouth. I was home. I got into the play that day and even won an award later. At 15, I found my voice…literally. Young queens, cling to each God given talent…use it to elevate others but most importantly elevate yourself to be your best self despite what society perceives you as.