Black At Havergal
“Don’t go to Havergal,” my parents and friends said. “It’s a predominately white prep school. You’ll be out of place.” Growing up in an inclusive environment, I never thought too hard about the color of my skin and how I looked in other people’s eyes. I hardly ever separated myself from people of different ethnicities, always feeling comfortable with my surroundings. I had heard amazing things about Havergal and never anything negative about the majorities or minorities around the school.
However, during the couple months it took to apply, I received numerous comments about why Havergal wasn’t the right fit for me. I decided to go against the discouraging comments and continue the process, keeping in mind all the wonderful things that Havergal had to offer and assuring myself that if worst did come to worst, and I felt alienated at school, I could always transfer. I was incredibly nervous when September 4th finally rolled around and I was due to start my very first day at a new high school. I was worried that, because of the color of my skin, I would be treated differently, unaware of all the positive experiences that were to come.
After around five months at this school, I’ve had opportunities to be a part of more things than I had thought possible. If you remember, I also spoke about something similar to this article for Black Prayers back in January. Never in a million years did I think that I’d be up on stage in front of so many familiar faces and that I’d have a chance to speak about my experiences as a black girl and how much I’ve learned about myself since coming to Havergal.
I wish I could go back in time and speak to my past self, the young Claire Coombs, who was conflicted between choosing a high school that would both prepare me for my post-secondary studies as well as provide me with what was supposed to be the best four years of my life. I wish I could go back and tell her to, without a doubt, choose HC. The experiences and opportunities that have been provided to me since I started school here would be impossible for me to count, and I wish I could share my good fortune with every person in the world.
However, it is not common for a person of color to be as fortunate as I am, especially when it comes to being provided with the same opportunities as the people around them. More often than not, people of color face discrimination, as is evident if you keep up with the daily news. A quick read through the papers, and you’re presented with Donald Trump’s behavior towards people of color, unnecessary police brutality, and so much more arbitrary discrimination.
My message to everyone who gets a chance to read this spring issue is to remain socially aware and, instead of acting in ignorance towards someone because of their race, be aware of the color of their skin, but don’t let it change how you think of them. With all the terrible things happening around the world, it is important to not let yourself be blinded by all the stigma and hate people receive. Continue to follow the saying that you’ve heard a million times growing up: treat people how you’d want to be treated.