Amber Porter

I was never really presented with the issue of class. Growing up in elementary school and junior high school, I was surrounded by people of the same race. It seemed like people of other races were better off. When I went on to high school, which was diverse, it was a big culture shock. Since I had always been studious, I was placed in honors/advanced level courses, where there was hardly anyone there from my race or class. I began to mingle with everyone, but I still felt odd. I kind of felt like Justice from "Up from the Holler living in two worlds at home in neither.” I didn't fit in well with the people from my neighborhood. I was busy planning for my future, and they were thinking about what they were having for lunch.

    The honors kids were a little ahead of me. They were getting A's and B's easily, while I was struggling to get a B. The teachers weren't a big help. One teacher told me that people who can't get an easy B in an honors class didn't deserve to be there. The other kids were way better prepared than I was. From reading “Class Matters,” I understand why I had so much trouble. The kids were not smarter than I am, but they had a lifetime of training. Also, from reading this book, I realized that people of other races and social backgrounds have problems. Whether it's Justice or Andy Blevins or Angela Whitaker, anyone can persevere. I think that “Class Matters” is a great book, and was definitely a learning experience.

                       ~ By Amber Porter