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Growing up, I remember my classrooms consisting of predominately white children. Throughout high school there were a few incidences where I was the only person of color in my class. My school district primarily consisted of the white upper middle class so naturally I have felt like an outsider on multiple occasions. Although my school district consisted of largely white children there would usually be around 2-5 “outsiders” in a class. The first occasion in which I truly felt like an outsider was in second grade. In the mornings there would be ESL and speech instructors as well as math tutors who would go from classroom to classroom to pick up their students for a quick sessions before the  actual school day commenced. On one day I had a substitute teacher who was not aware of the group of kids who were assigned to go. As the ESL, speech and math instructors left my classroom I had gotten up to sharpen my pencil, when I returned to my seat the teacher asked me in front of all my classmates, “Don’t you have to go?”. I said no and carried on with my work. Throughout the day, I was confused I did not understand why he singled me out – I felt embarrassed. I later realized that I was the only non white person in the classroom after the assigned students had left. Before this day I was not fully aware that my external appearance could form preconceived notions about me. I became conscious. According to Collins this is a vital role in order to self define and self valuate. Once one becomes aware that they are being discriminated or oppressed they are able to determine form their true selves. This true self must establish “their analytical, emotional and ethical perspective of themselves and their place in society …” (1986:23). This meaning that one must know where they place themselves on the hierarchy in order and where others place them. This ignites action against it and promotes activism to fight oppression.