The Extra Mile

Chapter 01

Individuality is interesting. It is so heavily influenced by so many people, jobs, choices, and experiences. so many other people play accidental roles in pushing us forward, taking us back, and reminding us about humanity every time. Weirdly enough, we do the same all the time. We just don't always notice it. At least, I don't think we are supposed to.

I guess that's been the most dynamic aspect of growing up now in digi-culture. I don't know about you, but I really want to know that I am living an impactful life, and I want to see the impact, while I am alive.

Naturally, a part of me knows that I am more than my online presence, but only a part of me...because the other part of me is fully conscious that my online reach actually matters.

It was weird when I became an influencer because growing up I have always been a pretty reserved person.

I didn't say much, but I always seemed to stick out anyway. Between my very South African parents and my very American education, there was always a faculty/staff member making mention of my mother's accent or my resemblance to my father. There were also kids in classes who learned slurs from home and brought them into the classroom. Students who made monkey sounds in my direction, kids who treated me like trash, and always poked fun about my smelling like the spices of my home.

I remember protesting food in my house in response to the mean comments from the students at my school. I would yell when I smelled home cooking and pushed my family to stop making culturally scented meals, as often. I refused to learn my native tongue or wear the attire in any public space in order to blend in.

I was raised in a Christian household. But nothing like the Christian homes I'd meet later in life. my family was always hella busy.

My mom worked every night and my dad worked every morning. He eventually ended up working two jobs at one time. Eventually, I picked up a job and then some scholarships to afford leaving New York for Ohio.

My parents were pretty nervous about the distance. I had never been allowed to sleep over anywhere a day in my life, and now I was about to be sleeping in a new bed 25 hours (by car) away. It's crazy how life switches up on you that way.

"Khaya! Hello? Are you with us?"

Oh yeah— I forgot to mention. I am also a daydreamer. definitely my most despised quality by probably every professor on campus. but then again, who can blame me for growing bored with my government sponsored, privately funded, colonized education in middle America.

Sighing, I blinked slowly and dramatically to show both my annoyance and to pretend that I was listening to the entire time.

"Of course I'm here. what do you want?" I replied

"It's not about what I want. it's about the fact that I asked you a direct question. twice. And that you clearly have somewhere better to be."

Turning from me to address the class as a whole, he said "That's the mystery of undergraduate culture. You all get so excited to go to college, to become this person that changes the world. and you can't even pay attention to what you are paying for."

Shaking his head. He took one more look in my direction and dismissed the class.

"I won't use up any more of your time. papers are due tomorrow night. Class dismissed."

I wish I could say that I lingered after class, apologized for my distraction, & overlooked his pettiness...but my black behind was out the door as soon as I heard the word "dismissed". talk about wide awake movement.

On my walk back to my dorm, I noticed a sign.

There was a marathon training sign up list to join the Running Circle.