Ishmael Osekre

Last semester, I learned that I was too naïve to think that people could come under the same umbrella, regardless of their color or tone. This semester, I am still willing to bet on the good of humanity, the sincerity of people, the intelligence of the minds around us—and even if this semester doesn’t bring our small community closer towards understanding and being able to live with each other, I will bet again on us next year.

Sam asked the doctor for a minute so that she could make up her mind about what her body had already agreed to. It was no small decision; the consequences of her action would be irreversible.

I was tired of waiting for my future. I was standing in a line, waiting for my turn to be interviewed at the dreaded U.S. Embassy in Accra.

After doing all the “right” things, saying all the right words, living the right way, walking with the right people, eating the right food, and going to the right places, it never occurred to my cousin that he would be arrested in his neighborhood for looking like the “wrong” person.

I have never concentrated so intently on the race issue as I have done in the past two years of my college experience.

While the School of General Studies has one of the most exciting programs at Columbia, it doesn’t favor poorer students, especially international students.

Things do not always have to be complicated, but cultural values can be confusing. I had a really great relationship with Andrew, my first friend in New York.

I didn't have to take my identity seriously until I came to college. Perhaps it was because who I am at home doesn't mean anything, since everyone in a sense "is." At home, the family trusts that you will own up to the dignity accorded to you. With the constant request for IDs, sign-ins, swipe-ins, sit-ins, fit-ins, explanations of the words I use, and rewinding of sentences because of my accent, I have constantly been reminded of my place and indirectly reminded of my difference.