When someone asks you about your scholarship, make sure to demonstrate your brilliance.

More often than not, the standard assumption will be that you attend the school on a generous scholarship. In many cases, that assumption is true. When that assumption is not true, however, things get real awkward real fast. To avoid discomfort, do what I say. Here, the best thing to do is agree that you are on a scholarship, whether or not you’re actually on one. Nonetheless, when you do eventually encounter this situation, simply perform your brilliance.

When anyone pricks and prods into your financial situation and subsequent deservingness to a top class college experience, you, as a Black African woman, absolutely have to undertake the immediate mission to convince them that you are indeed worthy. You have to make a compelling case for your presumably impeccable work ethic, intense grit, tremendous strength of heart, and extreme intelligence.

That is, my dearest, you need to explain why you occupy the space that you do. Being yourself is not enough. You need to be exceptional. To atone for your Blackness and Africanness. Your survival will depend on your ability to communicate your exceptionalism. Unfailingly.