Embracing My Journey

“Embracing My Journey: Advocacy, Growth, and Finding My Voice at Saint Ignatius” by Malachi Smith '25

 

As I am writing this, I am looking at “How to Write a Personal Narrative: Easy Step-by-Step Guide.” Being nominated by the Principal already adds quite the amount of pressure on me. Yet Dr. Fior ’02 asked such a simple request: for me to write about my experience here at Saint Ignatius High School. I've taken many leadership roles, and believe I've grown into quite the young man over the years, but I don’t think my story is any more unique than others. There are some of my classmates that I look up to, and I believe are ten times more qualified to write for the “Ignatius Magazine.” But one thing Ignatius has taught me is to always rise to challenges and never downplay my abilities. With that said, I would like to share with you what my four years at Saint Ignatius have been like. 

 

Navigating a predominantly white institution (PWI) as a student of color can create unique experiences. As I began my high school journey, I found it difficult to make meaningful connections, especially since my interests did not align with the popular sports culture. However, this hurdle became an opportunity for personal growth and discovery. Jesse Owens once said, "The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us–that's where it's at.” My battle was to find my voice and purpose. During my high school career, I realized that I had a passion for advocacy and social justice. Our school offered service initiatives that allowed me to focus more on a sense of community, where everyone feels welcome regardless of their background. As I became more involved in leadership roles within the school, I received recognition and support from several influential teachers. One teacher, in particular, Mrs. Gross, the Speech and Debate Coach, had a profound impact on my life. 

 

Initially, I was hesitant about speech and debate, dismissing it as an activity for "nerds." However, Mrs. Gross saw potential in me and encouraged me to give it a try. She introduced me to the category of Programmed Oral Interpretation (POI), which combined various forms of literature into a cohesive performance. This challenge took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to become a performer.

 

With Mrs. Gross's unwavering belief in me, I found the courage to embrace this new opportunity. My inspiration for my POI piece came from my own experiences and observations. I realized that my mother's habit of "code-switching" – adjusting her speech and mannerisms to fit different social contexts (I called it her McDonald’s lady voice) – a strategy employed by many women of color to navigate various aspects of their lives, from education to employment to even personal safety.

 

As I delved into researching and crafting my POI piece, I discovered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by African-American women and the power of using one's voice to address these issues. The process of practicing, refining my acting skills, and intentionally using my binder as a prop was both exhilarating and daunting. However, with Mrs. Gross's unwavering support and my determination to prove myself, I pushed through the initial discomfort and continued to improve.

 

When the first competition arrived, I was both nervous and excited. Witnessing the high level of talent and performance in my peers only fueled my drive to excel. I practiced tirelessly with Mrs. Gross, driven by her belief in me and my desire to make a meaningful impact.

 

To my delight and pride, my hard work paid off, and I qualified for both the state and national tournaments. The words of Carol Moseley-Braun, a famous African American politician and lawyer, reminded me: “Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face."

 

This achievement was more than just a personal victory: it ignited the fire within me to fight against discrimination and advocate for the less fortunate. Speech and debate had not only taught me valuable skills such as resourcefulness, resilience, and courage but had also given me a powerful voice.

 

Through this journey, I realized that my voice was the strongest tool I had, and I was determined to use it to bring about positive change. The experience of navigating a PWI, finding my passion for advocacy, and discovering the transformative power of speech and debate has shaped me into a more confident and empowered individual. As I look back on my high school journey, I am grateful for the challenges I faced and the mentors like Mrs. Gross who believed in me and pushed me to exceed my expectations. This experience has not only enriched my personal growth but has also solidified my commitment to using my voice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

 

This story was originally published in the Spring issue of the Saint Ignatius magazine; to read the full issue click here.