My Decision

Hi Everyone! My name is Vanessa (she/hers) and I’m a senior this year working on a major in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. I’m from Vancouver, Washington where I was born and raised. In my free time I like to hike or golf with friends and family!

 My Decision

I once stood sound

Eyes open wide

My feet firm on the ground 

I was hopeful for the future

With my mind wide open

But no sooner that I set foot out my door 

Were my dreams slowly broken

It started in middle school where I was easily influenced

I was made to believed microaggressions were only words

They were never heard coming from me 

But the people I called “friends” would say them so freely

“Asian”, “Hong-Kong”, “Bangkok”, to name a few 

These were the only names I was ever called in school 

My name didn’t matter once the new names came around 

I was made to laugh and told not to make a sound

For if I said anything or voiced my discomfort

“Dude, it’s just a joke don’t get so butt hurt”

With being so young and wanting to fit in 

I made my choice to laugh with my “kin”

But that was a choice I would soon regret

It was a choice that I can’t forget

By staying silent I gave them permission

Which only ended up worsening my condition

I lost my voice but that was my choice

But it didn’t only affect me 

It was a price “my kind” had to pay

But I soon learned my mistake 

I no longer allowed them to partake

I now make sure that I am heard

I don’t allow them to tell me I’m absurd

I stand my ground to voice my discomforts
I no longer allow them to tell me that I’m just being butt hurt

It might not be much coming from me

For I am but one person

But even though I am just one person

I will not allow this situation to worsen

For the world I envision 

Will not start until I make my decision