This autoethnographic study explored my academic experiences as a first-generation Afghan woman within the American education system. A finite lens was used to review detailed narratives from sixth grade through the present day. The guiding question for this study was: How have my experiences as a first-generation Afghan woman facilitated or…

Research suggests that student achievement and performance in literacy become strong predictors for achievement and success in high school, college, and career. However, Black children have historically been denied equal educational opportunities. Black boys, in particular, are falling behind in reading achievement, creating a persistent and…