“A lot of Jamaicans come here confident they can pass but don’t, and judging from your transcript you’ll need to work really hard.” said my guidance counselor on my first day of school. I admit that my transcript was terrifying, and that anyone who saw it would think the same way, but I knew that I came to America for a reason. I wanted to tell her of my ambitions, but at that moment telling her I wanted to be a doctor would sound like a cliché.

I was placed in the ninth grade—a year below my previous one. I thought at first that being put back would make the work easier but I was quickly disproved. The classes were very different from what I was used to; I was struggling and overwhelmed by the new culture and curriculum. I felt as if I was …show more content…
I didn’t want to see her; neither did I want to be another statistic to her thoughts. I dreaded having her call me to her office with a “just as I thought” face as she informed me of my failing grades. I wanted to be the person that even in the slightest way, change her stereotype towards Jamaicans.

It became apparent that my wanting to disprove her meant to first prove to myself that I could do it. I looked to my mom and two brothers for inspiration; my mom was still in Jamaica with my two brothers who no longer attended school due to financial constraints. I was the eldest, it is my responsibility to set a good example for my younger siblings and help my mom. Failing was not an option.

My mind was set and I was ready to start my journey. I started staying back after each class for help from my teachers—something quite rare at East Orange Campus High. My grades weren’t perfect but I felt much more comfortable in school. I began answering questions in class and became the person my classmates would ask for help.

I met my guidance counselor from time to time but not for anything bad, she would always wear a smile and we would have formal and informal conversations. My grades were improving. A few weeks after starting my junior year I finally had the confidence to tell her what I wanted to be in the