What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Some might say they see a visual representation of their true selves. For me, it depends on the day. Sometimes I see an educated man, other times I simply see a stereotype.

My true fear—the one thing that has paralyzed me for years—is that no matter what I see in the mirror, no matter what I do, how I dress, how I talk, or how I act, I assume that everyone else sees the stereotypes. I'm sure that many of you can relate to this.

You can define it as stereotype threat: A situational predicament in which people are or feel themselves to be at risk of conforming to stereotypes about their social group.

Allow me a moment to share my story, my personal struggles, and my triumph as an educated black man trying to find his way in academia.

As you read, consider two things: What are the stereotypes about you, and what stereotypes do you have about others?