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Family Immigrates to America
In 2003, my family moved from Nigeria to New York. America is my mother's primary place of residence, along with my sister and 2 brothers (one of which has cerebral palsy). My father frequently travels between Nigeria and America. My mother is a single mother and raises my siblings and me. -
Birthday
I was born -
Move
My family moved into a house and my mother becomes a landlord. -
Citizenship
My family becomes U.S. citizens -
Injury
I broke my arm -
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(Public) Elementary School
From ages 4-10, I went to public school in NYC. I was in the Gifted and Talented program, so I had the same classmates from first to fifth grade. -
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Barack Obama Presidency
Barack Obama becomes the 45th president of the United States, serving 2 consecutive terms. Growing up the same time that Barack Obama was president, I saw him and his family as major role models. However, I also had this false idea that everything he did in his presidency was good (and I'm still learning to analyze and criticize the works of Obama on my own even now). -
Trayvon Martin's Death
Trayvon Martin's death is the first time I learn of the Black Lives Matter movement. I am only 7 years old, but I begin to understand how my blackness impacts how others see me. -
Travel to Nigeria
For the first time, I went on a plane and traveled to Nigeria. I saw my extended relatives and learned more about my culture. -
Public Assistance
After 10 years of living in America without public assistance, my family starts SNAP. -
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(Private) Middle School
From ages 10-14, I went to a private middle school in NYC. Although families paid tuition, the vast majority of students's tuition was covered by sponsors. I was around students from a similar socioeconomic background as me and the school was extremely racially and culturally diverse. -
Travel to Nigeria
I visited my extended family in Nigeria for the second time. I visited both my mother's and father's villages. -
Donald Trump Presidency
Donald Trump becomes the 46th president of the United States. Throughout Trump's presidency, I gradually gain a better understanding of politics and form an idea of where I stand. I also discover that the more I learn about Trump, the more I grow to dislike him. Other countries see American politics and Donald Trump as a joke. -
Grandmother's Passing
A few days before my freshman year of high school, my grandmother in Nigeria passed away -
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(Private) Boarding School
Since September 2018, I have attended a private school in Massachusetts. I experienced a very big culture shock when I first came here. It is a predominantly white institution with many students from financially stable/wealthy backgrounds. I became more subjected to experiencing micro-aggressions and imposter syndrome. -
Uncle's Passing
My Mother's older brother passes away -
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Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus breaks out in America and NYC becomes the national epicenter of the virus (in March). I practice self-quarantining, social distancing, and online learning. With everything changing, I feel very lost and disorganized. I try to acquire new hobbies to keep myself busy and not thinking 24/7. -
George Floyd's Death
The murder of George Floyd sparks national and international distress and outrage. Many people protest and riot as a way to show their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter. Personally, I am extremely disheartened and saddened. I take a break from social media and try to educate myself without feeling overwhelmed. I also write and use art to express my feelings.