with. You can tell them who you are without the fear of prejudice from others. And for those you do meet that are problematic, you can choose to cut them out. Sometimes, it is for the better. Epilogue One show I recall watching from childhood is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In one episode, Will and Carlton try to get into a fraternity. Will has no issue getting into the brotherhood, but Carlton is viewed as not good enough for the fraternity despite putting in a lot of work for the group. When being called a “bel-air, prep boy, sell-out,” Carton delivered the most beautiful speech I ever heard in my young life. “Being black isn’t what I’m trying to be, it’s what I am. I’m running the same race and jumping the same hurdles you are, so why are you tripping me up? You said we need to stick together but you don’t even know what that means. If you ask me, you’re the real sellout.” – Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) I’ve never heard something so inspirational in my before. The fact that despite being called out by his own people, Carlton stood his ground, and chose to be himself over something he is not. It still gives me chills hearing him say this. I’m not Black, but that message meant something to me. The message transcends race and generation. No matter what, no one can take away how Mexican or American I am. They don’t know who I am trying to be and should never question who I say to be. I am not White, nor a “Coconut.” I am who I am, and I am proud of it. Inspired by a great leader, Bright College is taking a new approach to education. Want to do school differently? So do we. Our two-year associate degrees are designed to accelerate your career. drake.edu/bright
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