To Be Black, Female and Literate: A Personal Journey in Education and Alienation by Leonie C. R. Smith was a detailed narrative about the author's experience with being literate. She complied a few stories that dated back to her childhood in Antigua, showing her parent's illiteracy and her up bringing.Smith's essay displays her struggles with learning literacy in the United States, by experiencing the social and cultural constructs of America's intelligence and facing racial and gender discrimination.
Smith's recollection of her literacy in America was brutal. She dealt with things such as racism and sexism. She soon learned that the educational system in America wasn't as free willing as the educational system in Antigua. There was a structure in America that determined your smart "ranking". Something more difficult and standardized. With all these circumstances, Smith felt out of place but it did not stop her from receiving her education and pursing her dreams.
Smith's story spoke wonders to me. I could not believe what she went through in order to obtain an education. Her motivation and drive kept her going and inspired me. If only there more women like this. Women who don't stop because of situations that were meant to break them down. Women who don't stop because of their past. Women who are motivated, dedicated and determined. Her story shows that no matter the circumstance or situation, you have to stick in there. You have to do what is best for you to get where you need to be in your life. She knew despite her mother's passing, her father leaving and her being Black, Female and Literate in America that her education was necessary to live happily and rightfully as she pleased. Smith's story is something to live by because if she could go through it and still succeed, I can as well.
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