Dorothy Vaughan acknowledges that “separate and equal are two different things. Just ‘cause it's the way, doesn’t make it right.” I strongly agree with this because, even if racism has been normalized in society, it still affects those who experience it in their daily lives. Growing up, I was always confused about where I was from and who I am. I was raised on the islands but never really considered an “Islander”. As well as when I would visit the Philippines, I was considered “black beauty” or, in other words, black instead of Filipino. This resulted in me doubting who I really am. It made me think of what I could do to be fully accepted into my own “race.”
 

          I was never enough of something to be full of it. I believe that society has been blindsided by the single story of the difference of colors. I was always told to “respect others despite their differences.” Although the lack of others' knowledge of this always messed up my perspective, it made me think in the same way as them, even after knowing it was wrong. I always had my fair share of racist comments like “Get to the back of class” or being called names of historical black individuals.  All this gave me a single story about who I am and who I am supposed to be.

 

          I then realized that I was stuck in my borderland, meaning being caught in between being both Blasian but also being Islander. I knew the native tongue and the culture of my Filipino side, and I grew up on Guam knowing the traditions of my Chamorro side, but never fully got to understand my black side, despite the fact that I was always considered more black than any other race. However, after moving to Washington, I experienced a big culture shock: The level of diversity and individuals who had dealt with the same struggle of finding who they really are. I found that people are more accepting and have more love for colors than hate. They have such a larger perspective of what you can be and what makes you, you.​

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          This made me accept that I am not just one race but three. I allow myself to be all of me, in all of my races. I have realized that the single stories others have of race have made me think of a single story of society. It has made me think of people as hateful, judgmental, and close-minded. Moving has changed that mindset; it has made me think that there is so much more diversity in the world, and there is not just one race, but many.​

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          My advice to someone who is stuck in the borderland of racism is that people's perspective is not all that you are. The single story that has been told isn't the only story. Although people have normalized racism, that doesn’t make your struggles nonexistent. Finding yourself can be hard, but never let the words of others change your path to find it. Lastly, you aren’t ever made up of one thing, you are made up of your culture, struggles, and experiences. The struggles of race and culture are forced upon people who are not of one thing, and the experiences of finding yourself will help you truly understand the why and the how of you.