Black History Month 2022 – Letter to My Younger Self – DCC Chandi

Dear Younger Chandi,

I know times are uncertain right now and you feel like you are a small fish in a big pond but keep your head up. I know you have already had ups and downs in your life, but you will overcome everything that life throws at you. Soon, you will be proud of the strong, independent young woman you have become.

Right now, you are a young girl in a very big world. You are in ballet, dancing your little heart out. It is your happy place. I know you look around and think that you are different but embrace it. You are unique and bring so much to the table. I’ll let you in on a little secret, you will be the first African American Clara in the Nutcracker for your ballet studio, and the first African American Captain of the University of Arizona Pomline! These accomplishments will inspire so many other little girls and boys to pursue their dreams. Amazing things are coming.

I know you are a people pleaser and like to make others happy, especially as a young girl of color. We were taught not to rock the boat, don’t cause problems. But, as you grow up and find yourself, you learn to set boundaries. You learn to deal with people who always expect you to be perfect.

I know that you have, and unfortunately, will be looked at differently by others because of the way you look and the color of your skin. It does hurt…let yourself feel those emotions. However, don’t let it bring you down. I know that it’s hard to think about, but I promise, you are stronger than you realize.

I’ll leave you with this. You are a special, unique, beautiful girl. You have and will inspire others. You will get a message from a single mom who has a mixed-race little girl. She will tell you that she loves watching the DCC dance because there are “girls that look just like her”.  She’s only five and being inspired to go after her dreams because she sees others paving the way for her! Never stop being you and spreading positivity everywhere. You got this!

DCC Chandi