In the sea of high school students, I found peace in only one, Lea. She was a breath of fresh air in this suffocating school. Of course, people notice and look at you on a daily basis, but it's different being actually seen. It started with small talk, then frequent conversations, and soon enough she became the sister I never had. We were inseparable, at least I thought we were. But people change. The bubbly and humorous friend I once knew seems so far away now. And although I found solace and comfort in her, I was never her top pick. I slowly became that forgotten sweater in her closet. Maybe she liked my design at first but now she's grown tired of it. Maybe she's worn me too many times that the material isn't as new and valuable. I got tossed to the side while other clothes took priority. I confided in her, grew too comfortable. Told her my secrets, dreams, even insecurities. But her ever so often "jokes" about my looks and features became repetitive. Insulting even, because I'd never do that to her. It's quite tiring being the backup, only getting picked up when you feel like using me - when you're bored. So, we continue to grow apart, I guess for the better.
Reflecting on childhood experiences, it's easy to understand why students assimilate. In elementary school I was fearful of bringing my own cultural foods to school because I'd see my classmates laugh when other people did it. They'd cringe at the smell, or call it nasty, all just for seeing foods that were unfamiliar to them. So, hiding that part of yourself seemed like the best way to not get picked on growing up. Even today, students are still feeling pressured to assimilate for safety reasons, or even to avoid getting bullied by their peers. But what is assimilation anyway? Assimilation is when a minority integrates socially, culturally, and/or politically into a larger, dominant culture and society. I think students shouldn't give up their cultural identity when in a new environment. Because although it might feel like the best thing to do, it's dangerous straying from your culture. Though it's pressuring to fit in, you become more and more distanced from ...
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