Lost in the headlines of the college admissions scandal is every young person who gave his or her best to the college admissions process, yet was denied admission to his or her dream school because of someone else cheating in order to get in. I was that young person.
I recall losing hours of sleep because my mom couldn't afford for me to go to college. I remember thinking I wasn't good enough to take the SATs. I remember busting my ass to get my paperwork in on time because I was paranoid that if I missed a deadline, I would lose my chance at a good education. I remember scraping together a college essay. I remember getting accepted and I remember feeling like I had to PROVE that I deserved to be there.
I recall scrubbing dishes with a whole band of people and busing tables so I could have money. I remember the highs and lows throughout the journey. Many of us share that experience. You may remember that grind, too!
I came to work in the Bronx with young people so I could help them navigate that experience. I became a social worker because the community I am from needs more black male advocates. Everything I preach is based on 110 percent effort, humility and passion. The assumption being, that the process rewards hard work.
When the college scandal news broke, I discovered I was wrong, and that cuts me deep.
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