I Deserved to Be There: When Being the Only One Makes You Question Your Place

What happens when you enter a space knowing that you earned the opportunity—but still feel that you must prove you deserve it?

In this companion episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I share the personal story behind my micro-book, I Deserve to Be There.

I grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, surrounded by Black educators, professionals, church members and family friends who were committed to nurturing my success. Then I entered the University of Tampa, an overwhelmingly white institution where I suddenly found myself searching for people who understood my experience. My college journey included isolation, financial hardship, conflict with roommates, cultural misunderstandings and moments when I seriously questioned whether I belonged. It also included mentorship, Black student community, ROTC, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, leadership opportunities and recognition that showed me how deeply I had become part of the university community.

This episode explores the pressure many Black Gen X students carried into newly accessible spaces: the belief that we had to work harder, perform better and continually demonstrate that we deserved opportunities we had already earned. Ultimately, I discovered that belonging was not something another person could grant me. I deserved to be there from the moment I arrived.

Listen, reflect and share this episode with someone who has ever been the first, the only or one of very few in a professional, educational or social space. Visit anthonyreeves.com to explore more content from The Anthony Reeves Experience and learn more about the Black Generation X Starter Kit.

Podcast Call to Action After listening, share this episode with someone who may be questioning whether they belong in the room. Then visit anthonyreeves.com to explore I Deserve to Be There and the other stories in the Black Generation X Starter Kit.

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