I Found My Way

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I Found My Way My name is Doreen Peter and I spent my entire childhood trying to find my own way. Having been born in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, the way has been long indeed. From as early as I can remember, I was seen as not conforming to the social norms of my community. It went beyond being brought up Catholic in a community of Muslims; even beyond being a single child in a neighborhood of large families. I was always “the weird kid,” the girl who refused to wear dresses and skirts and had no interest in gossiping about rumors and boys. I was the type of girl that was more interested in playing sports that were fun, even a little bit rough at times. I may not have understood what social isolation was, but it still hurt to be excluded from games and parties and to be criticized constantly by the members of my own family. “Doreen, why can’t you be more like the other girls” became as familiar as the feelings of rejection. Ironically, what seemed like a depressing circumstance to a child of five, six, and seven, was in fact an opportunity for growth. I learned to be comfortable in my own skin. I discovered the joy of my own thoughts, unburdened by early peer pressure and points of view imposed by others. I learned to think for myself and not to try meet other people’s standards or their expectations of who and what I should be. I saw the importance of staying true to myself without trying to blend in with the rest of the crowd. I would say that at least from adolescence I started to slowly find my own way and learned that I had the primary responsibility for creating my own life. Now 17 years old, I am glad that I never gave up. The maturity that I have gained over the years has compelled me to be interested in the field of criminal justice. 5 years from now, I see myself as a detective bringing closure to families that have lost a loved one. Your college has all
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