The Girl Behind The Skin
Hey, I'm Diza (Hadiza's too formal, right?). My life's a patchwork of contradictions - pale and dark skin, bold and awkward, confident and totally lost. Vitiligo's canvas stretches across my body, a constant reminder of my uniqueness. My green eyes, like two shimmering emeralds, sparkle amidst the contrasting hues of my skin, a testament to the beauty of imperfection.
Growing up in a community girls' school in Kubwa, I faced more than just curious stares. Teachers whispered, their hushed tones like a slow poison, pointing me out like a specimen under a microscope. Girls snickered, their laughter echoing down the hallways, calling me 'zebra' or 'cow' behind my back or even the witch because of my striking features. Even some teachers joined in, their snide comments about my skin slicing through me like a sharp blade. But my green eyes, like a shield, protected me from the hurt, reminding me of my individuality and strength. I felt like a freak, a sideshow attraction in a world that prized uniformity, but my eyes told a different story - one of resilience and beauty.
My family tried to shield me, but the words cut deep, leaving scars that still linger. I began to hide, afraid to face the world.
Grey's Anatomy's my obsession - I've lost count of how many times I've watched it. Meredith's dark humor, Cristina's sass, and the surgical precision make my heart race. I dream of being a neurosurgeon, just like Dr. Ben Carson. His "think big" mantra and gifted hands inspire me to push past my limits.
Books are my escape, too. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda is my favorite - the way she weaves words into a vibrant tapestry of Nigerian culture and family secrets. And Half of a Yellow Sun? I'm still reeling from the ending. I desperately want to ask Chimamanda what happened to Kainene... maybe she died, tragically, but I need closure.
As I navigate my love for basketball and my role as team captain, I'm struggling to balance my passion with my grades, especially now that I'm heading to high school. It's like juggling a million balls - and I'm dropping most of them. My height, five feet nine inches, makes me stand out, but also feel like an outcast among my peers.
With countable friends who've drifted away, I feel invisible. But I refuse to be. I want to be respected, to make a difference, to leave a mark on this world. That's why I'm waiting with bated breath for the Braithwaite Academy scholarship in Abuja - my ticket to a new beginning, a chance to rewrite my story.
A/N: I have completed Two Brothers, One Heart for those interested in siblings love triangle books.
YOU ARE READING
BELONGING - BOOK 1
Teen Fiction*Definition:* Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), resulting in white patches or spots on the skin. ★ "Meet Hadiza Bello, a vibrant and determined young g...
