When I finally arrived at Dartmouth, I understood viscerally what I was up against. The energy of my spirit collapsed to a singular point of focus, which is what I’ve done my entire life. Focus. Not on all the privilege, wealth, racism, and sexism around me, but on the resources available at my disposal. Dartmouth was rich in opportunity and resources.

I leaned into professors and mentors who could see inside me and knew I couldn’t fail. Professor Edlin, who told me I was lit from within. I didn’t understand then. I do now. Professor Lenhart, who taught me to revere the written word. Were it not for his introductory English class, I may never have thought to become a writer. Professor Hamlin, a consummate artist, who taught me how to cultivate my own burgeoning artistic impulses. I did not think it was possible to be an artist before meeting her. President Wright, who spoke so passionately at my convocation about pushing Dartmouth in a direction that was more inclusive of minority students. I will never forget how welcomed his words made me feel. When I heard his speech, I knew I had made the right decision. Tommy Woon, who sheltered me with his calm, knowing spirit and introduced me to life-changing diversity workshops and programs along with Dawn Hemphill. Sadhana Hall, whose grace, wisdom, and brilliance showed me how to cultivate true internal power and stay lifted as a woman of color in a world stacked against you. The high school English teacher and her husband who drove me to Dartmouth, paid for my flights home on holidays, financially supported me when I studied abroad, and drove my mom to my graduation.

Casque and Gauntlet, the senior society I was inducted into my senior year, who became my community after three years of feeling out of place. I met some of the most amazing people I’ve ever known there. Skywalkers, like me, wanting a better world for all.

I would not have survived Dartmouth without these people.

My message to you is this: Your destiny is yours for the taking, but you have to find the people that can help you survive it. Remember, a Chosen One never walks alone.

This journey was never meant for people like us. The proof is in the long lineage of ancestors in our families who have been beaten down and denied. Yet, here we are reaping the fruits of their sacrifice and efforts. Here we are standing on the other side of an oppression that can never murder our spirits.