I was in seventh grade and my science teacher was overly critical of me. Bordering on disrespectful and clearly had prejudices against light skinned African Americans. The whole class drew projects. I was so excited to make my project because I loved making projects with my grandmother. My project was the solar system. So my grandmother gave it her all! We went to buy all the materials I needed. I have to say that my solar system replica model was fantastic. We worked on it for weeks. In the end it was my turn to present, I did a fantastic job. But I received a low C. I was so angry. The comments said my reply was too good and it was clear it wasn't the work of a seventh grader. Some students turned in stick figure drawings on paper and got an A. I cried my eyes out that night. My grandmother told me that people won't like you because you have light skin. He told me that some people will treat me like gold and others will spit on me like dirt. From that day on I let my work speak for itself