Conversation

"I'm on two teams," T. says as we walk. "But I get frustrated."
T. is a middle school student at our writing/history camp. He's a competitive swimmer.
"Because you want to do better?" I ask.
"No," T says, after a pause. "I'm the only black swimmer on my teams. It's lonely."
Themes of our camp have been racial segregation, civil rights and social justice issues. It's on his mind.
"You're a role model," I finally say, "paving the way for other young black swimmers."
He nods.
#smallstories