I always felt different. Fitting in was never an option. Growing up in a disciplined, Black and Southern household, I was instilled with morals and values I emulate today.I was raised to have good manners, respect the elderly, and be grateful for what I have. I learned from childhood to adulthood that my parents are not my friends. In their eyes, I will always be a child. A phrase I heard often by them was, 'You haven't walked this Earth longer than me.
In hindsight, I realised that I was able to mask my traits for 34 years due to my parental upbringing. My parents put in time to prepare me for the real world. My dad is a retired high school teacher at the same school I was taught in. Looking back, I am glad my dad stayed there. He taught me consistency, hard work ethic, and passion. My dad loves to teach and I love poetry.I spent a lot of time with my father throughout the years.