The area I grew up in was predominantly white and when I was in 2nd-3rd grade (2000-2001) integration occurred with the construction of a government housing complex in my town . Being so naive and innocent at that age, I didn't know what that entailed and didn't feel differently about the inclusion of Camden's black students. I am very grateful for this opportunity because this idea of ​​integration was and is normal to me and to think otherwise would be a foreign concept. Other than that, I started playing sports at a young age. This allowed for many opportunities to build relationships with other students, learn to be a team player, and I began to develop athletic characteristics that others lacked. Middle school wasn't much different other than the inclusion of more difficult material. Then, entering my high school years, I participated in more activities and sports ranging from: tennis, softball, NHS, Italian club etc. I wasn't "popular" at all, but I had a very encouraging and healthy relationship with most of the students in my grade and also with the teachers I had. The teachers were always willing to stay or come to school early to meet the students, as long as the students were willing to dedicate themselves and not waste precious time; I am proof of this