Article 38 No.2If I Could Rewind That Morning By: Xavier Pierce
Illustrator: Sophia Foster-Dimino
“If I Could Rewind That Morning” by Xavier Pierce tells the emotional story of a young man of color named Xavier who takes a job as a teaching assistant at the same school he once attended as a child. This was his first professional role where he didn’t come home smelling like food, a symbolic shift representing both progress and pride. He was filled with purpose and hope, saying, “I felt the importance of this position in my core.” Returning to his former school, he felt a deep connection to the space and a sense of responsibility to make a difference.
In his new role, Xavier encounters Aaliyah, a bright, tall, athletic fifth-grade girl. Aaliyah is intelligent and eager. Still, her identity as a young Black girl complicates how others see her. Despite being admired for her athletic skills, her success is met with suspicion and discomfort. If she won, the game was “unfair.” If she celebrated a high grade, she was “boasting.” Aaliyah couldn't win. Her difference, rather than being embraced, was weaponized against her. Aaliyah got accused of bullying "the class" and was sent out of the classroom to meet with the dean. After she met with her teacher and the dean, Xavier witnessed
Aaliyah holding back tears; she was so confused and hurt. She didn't understand what she did wrong. As a good student and a kind person, the conversation felt unjust. Xavier walked with Aaliyah, expressing, “This world isn’t kind to us, is it?", a shared experience that spans many generations.This article deeply resonated with me because I, too, have experienced the weight of being misjudged and misunderstood simply for existing in a world that isn’t always built for me. When you’re young, it’s hard to speak up, and even harder to be believed. You begin to see patterns in how people like you are treated, and you realize that it’s not always about what you did, but who you are.
Armstrong & Wildman’s “whiteness” explains this well. They describe how white identity often operates as the default, and if you stray from that norm, you are seen as a problem to
be fixed. Aaliyah wasn’t disruptive; she didn’t fit the mold. Similarly, Johnson’s work on privilege emphasizes how those in dominant groups often navigate the world with invisible advantages. Aaliyah’s experiences and Xavier’s empathy for her highlight how systemic bias operates subtly but powerfully in everyday school environments. And I hope that one day, being great while being different won’t be seen as a threat, but as a gift.
Tracy I loved this article that you chose! How many of us can relate to these same emotions and confusion? We are not even able to excel or celebrate without there being a question or criticism for our effort. Always a question of what we may have done wrong or what we could have done better. Aaliyah I feel you! That last quote is a resounding question...is this world ever going to be kind to us?
ReplyDeleteTracy, this article brought tears to my eyes. How emotional and raw this article must have been. I could never imagine feeling "not good enough" no matter how much I tried to be a good person, do well in school, and work hard. This is why it is so important to teach our young children about privilege and biases. Great job Tracy!
ReplyDeleteThis article is amazing! It was difficult read since it touched my heart on a different level. You made some powerful points and so relatable.
ReplyDeleteThis is a heartbreaking story. I can't imagine how many children feel this way and it just isn't fair. To try so hard and to be shot down is horrible.
ReplyDeletewow... beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is awful that while we talk about the next generations of leaders, we often crush their confidence while they are young, telling them they're boasting when they're really just celebrating. We need to work on celebrating everyone's wins and healing the brokenness we put on each other.
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