I’ve rarely ever seen myself represented at LHS. I’m a senior now and can definitively point out the three or four times I’ve felt my culture and identity properly represented and regarded.
Two of those instances are seeing the Pakistani flag in the library and Lower F-Wing with all the other world flags.
I learned unnecessarily quickly during my freshman year that I would always be the only representative of South Asian culture and Islam. I always have to be the best representation because if I’m not and I step out of line, people around me can take that as a stereotype or misconception about all people like me and not take us seriously.
Because of that reasoning, I have to be well-informed about my beliefs and the things happening where I’m from because it’s not typically covered in mainstream media or Western news; I have to be the voice for millions of people and make sure the people at LHS are aware of what’s happening.
Even on a smaller scale, when we’re learning about world religions or anything regarding my identity, it’s like I have to teach the class about Islam or the effects of colonialism in South Asia. I have to explain things that teachers have been teaching for well over a decade because they are often misinformed about these things.
I shouldn’t have to do all this, but I do.
Due to my relentless advocacy for my identity, it is better taught and regarded by teachers and students. It is all to be seen as human and equal to everyone else.
Something I’ve learned through these past three years is that if you speak for yourself, your beliefs, and what is right, there will be change. I have seen it myself and that is why I will never stop advocating for what’s right; I know that if we all make an effort to work for the betterment of our world and our community, there will come a time when people of color won’t have to beg to be recognized and understood.
Although it can be tiring, I’ve seen that speaking up for myself and my culture is necessary for change to happen. I will keep advocating as much as I can, and I know that through my and many others’ efforts, we will create a future where all people are recognized and respected equally.
At LHS, I’ve already seen the effects of my efforts, and with the collective effort of everyone, staff and students alike, we can create the change that people of color need.