Photo Night Presentation Essay

"Look at me, the only black student on this trip. Imagine the weight of the negative stereotypes I am carrying on my shoulders in an attempt to shatter them all. There is much more than is portrayed at the surface when looking at me. I come from a community where most everyone cannot swim, but I love the ocean.

The serenity and stillness of ocean habitats amazes me. Awesome.

Interconnectedness revealing itself through all of the different cultures represented here simply because we love the ocean. And all of these people are just people. No better or worse, just essential. Anyone can be a friend, differences included. The world is an amazing place, suitable for everyone and everything.
Carpe diem. Viva alto. Enjoy life!

Yeah, not too bad for the mind of a young black male from an inner-city place of negative portrayal. But I am proud of where I come from and I am just like the ocean. My being contains way more than what meets the eye. So penetrate the surface if you dare to enjoy my personality, I have officially declared."

-Erie French, 16 years old