Attending a boarding school in America can be a unique experience, often filled with a mix of excitement and challenges. From my own time there, I encountered not only the typical struggles of adjusting to a new environment but also deeper issues related to colorism and racism. These experiences can be really eye-opening and, unfortunately, all too common in such settings. One thing I noticed was how appearances and skin tones sometimes affected how students treated each other. Colorism—discrimination based on skin tone, usually within the same racial group—played a subtle but impactful role in daily interactions. Certain students seemed to receive more positive attention or social acceptance just because of their lighter skin, while others faced exclusion or harsher judgments. It was surprising to realize how deeply ingrained these biases were, even in progressive environments like boarding schools. Beyond colorism, outright racism was also present, whether through insensitive remarks or exclusionary behaviors. Being a student in such an environment forced me to develop resilience and find ways to support myself and others who faced similar challenges. Sometimes sharing experiences with fellow students helped us realize we weren't alone, which was empowering. From my perspective, one of the most important lessons was learning to advocate for myself and others. Engaging in open conversations with faculty and peers about these issues helped initiate small changes towards a more inclusive community. Although it’s hard to confront these problems, I found that building awareness is the first step to creating a safer and more understanding environment for everyone. For anyone currently navigating a boarding school experience, I recommend seeking out allies, joining diversity initiatives if available, and remembering that your identity is valid and valuable. Schools should be places of growth and acceptance, not judgement or exclusion. Sharing our stories can be a powerful way to highlight and address the realities of colorism and racism in education settings.