Dear Younger Me,
I see you. I see the confusion when your classmates laugh at your name, the hesitation when you unpack your lunch, and the longing to just blend in. I know what it’s like to feel too African at school, yet not quite American at home.
But here’s the truth: you are not too much of anything. You are whole. You carry the heartbeat of two worlds, and one day, you’ll see that as a strength.
There will come a time when people will seek the very culture you were once ashamed of. Your name will be spoken with reverence. The jollof you tried to hide will be the centerpiece at dinner parties. The stories your parents told you will become the foundation of your confidence.
So hold your head high. Ask questions about your heritage. Dance to Afrobeats even if you’re off-beat. Learn your language. Wear your clothes with pride. You are not alone—there’s a whole generation learning to do the same.
And when you look back, you’ll realize you were never lost. You were just becoming.
Love,
Your Future Self
