Sorry

Where I am From…

I am from a vibrant colorful country/continent. From my experience, I grew up in really colorful and lively places. But, it wasn’t always easy. Opportunities? They felt far away. Still, I had stories from my family. Stories of strength. I had my community. That kept me going. Coming to America? It was a big jump. A chance to start new. I brought my past with me. Dusty roads. Laughter.

Hard times. But I also brought my dreams. I remember those roads. I remember the lessons. Education was important. Work was important. Those things made me who I am. Now, I’m here. I’m trying to learn everything. I want to grow. I want to shine. I want to build an amazing future. Not just for me. For my community too. As I loved to think about this way: it’s not just about achieving greatness for oneself, but It’s about carrying the hopes and aspirations of your family, your community, your heritage It’s about being resilient, adaptable, and open-minded It’s about embracing the complexities of life, and rising above the struggle. I’m thankful. Really thankful. Every step I take? It’s for everyone who helped me. Every win? It’s for my home. A little hope. It’s hard, this new culture. I’m still figuring it out. But I’m learning. I’m turning my past into something far greater than myself. My problems turned into strength. I want to make my dreams real. I want to show the world the great things from my home. From my past experience, I know I have to try. I know I have to work hard. I want to make my family proud. I want to make my continent proud.
– Ishmael

Present

The first three months of this year 2025? A quick prosper. NBLSA (National Black Law Students Association) in Boston, I walked into chambers and rooms buzzing with power, faces I’d only seen in books and on screens. My strength expanded, I sparked in my own light. I learn things I would have not learned in class or what my teacher would not teach me such as Navigating Interactions With Law enforcement. I was a proud winner of a book called “LAW SCHOOL ESSENTIALS™” in my hand.
Mayor’s Youth Summit 2025, I proudly won an expressive backpack, a sign I got the chance to meet Councilor Samantha, he saw the fire in me. He said man you deserve my phone number. BTU Career expo, a PHD’s in political science & international relations was impressed by my enthusiasm which led her to give me her phone number. Guess what?

She attended Harvard for all her degrees bachelor, master and doctoral. I attended a family resource fair and also got a $25 Amazon gift card. I am not selected, but I am one of the two chosen students to represent Massachusetts/ New England in Minnesota at the National School Conference. During Black History Month, I hosted a successful event bringing together black educators in a panel discussion where I moderate. Also, had one of my fav school staff translate for Spanish-speaking students for everyone to feel included. Followed along with an open mic, and performance sessions. I was in collaboration with 826 Boston. I emceed, gave a speech at the Boston Public School office of Multilingual and Multicultural, Mayor Offices for Immigrant Advancement, and The oOffice of Food Justice Community Iftar events. Speaking to global faces during Ramadan in the presence of Mayor Michelle Wu and the big Imam of New England. At my school Interfaith Community iftar, I was thrilled to have invited Councilor Tania, the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the Boston City Council. Also joined by Imam Ahmed Barry, who talked about diversity and inclusion in Islam and answered questions the audience had. I improve, I break off. No stick. Exposed, yet strong. Seeds planted, moments that will develop. I thrive, I succeed. A smile, after the storm. I’ll carry on. Most importantly, I learned a strong sense of purpose and commitment to my community. As well as I’ve learned that proactivity and authentic connection create a powerful change in life and community.

Future

Dear Future Ishmael,
It’s your high school self, reporting from the daily grind. Right now, it’s textbooks and teenage drama, but I’m betting you’ve leveled up. 5 to 10 years on, picture this: you’re not just happy, you’re thrilling. Luxury? Yeah, but that’s the backdrop. The real focus? Global impact. You’re a policy-shaping force, leveraging Harvard smarts in political science and international relations, especially on science-driven issues. Homes across Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), and the US? Check. Remember that fire? The one driving you to understand the world? Keep it lit. It’s the fuel for your dreams: a legacy, a loving family, and the power to make real change. Don’t just be successful; be legendary. Keep pushing, keep learning, keep making the world better. Don’t let us down. Remember to visit your teachers who led you through this journey.

Sincerely,

Ishmael (3/23/25) – Surviving Black man