Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2006 > October > 26 > Entry
What it’s really like to be a biracial student
Melanie Boysaw is a thoughtful 15-year-old in L.A. who plays basketball and loves a wide diversity of music.
But that’s not how most of the kids at school think of her.
Some think of her as their “half-black” friend. To others, she’s their “half-white” friend. To the ignorant, she’s “oreo” or “whitewashed.” This is a girl who’s grandfather went to his grave without ever meeting his granddaugter, angry that his daughter married a black man.
Can’t imagine the confusion and hurt you’d feel growing up that way? Let Melanie tell you what it was like and why, after all that, she’s glad to be who she is in every way.
Melanie is part of my extended family and I found her essay an inspiration.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Teaching and Learning
Comments
By Cathy
October 27, 2006 4:09 PM | Link to this
Wow. What an insightful essay from an extraordinary 15-year-old! Melanie is an awesome young woman; I predict wonderful things for her future.By Ms. Cornelius
October 26, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
That was really just beautiful. What a wonderful essay. What a strong young lady!By Mary
October 26, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Melanie sounds like a great kid with a good head on her shoulders. The most interesting part to me was what it was like to be a seventh grade student in PE class. The teacher did not make them do anything for two hours (but she was provided a basketball team later on at the high school?) Schools go all ape over competitive sports teams for a few students, but do not do squat for students in general regarding physical education. The family issues are common even when race is not part of the problem. Too bad she never met her grandpa and her mom could not bring herself to take Melanie to meet him.