Growing up in the South, there's not much quality when it comes to education unless you leave the urban areas and attend private schools in the suburban areas of town, which is what I did for the few years I lived in Alabama. This allowed me to be socialized with typically more white people than people of color, and when we made the long move from Alabama to Connecticut, the story was no different. So, what's it like being the only black friend among mostly whites? I've got some answers for you.

1. White people are so happy you're their friend.

I was still pretty young when we moved to Connecticut, and when I showed up for my first day of school, there were so many stares, mainly because there aren't that many people who look like me in Fairfield county. Fast forward a couple months, and my friends couldn't wait for me to meet their parents and show me off. But hey, who doesn't like that kind of attention?

2. You'll always be the token black friend.

I never let them forget it, and they never let me forget it.

3. You always get asked the infamous question, "Can you get an Afro?"

The answer: Yes, I can get an afro. Do I want one though? Absolutely not.

4. I never had to watch my back.

The part of Alabama we lived in wasn't the safest, and there were always news reporting of some kind of violence breaking out in high schools, at parties or some other social setting. For some reason, though, I never had to worry about any of that when I went out with my friends. It was a safe town, and for the most part, everyone had to desire to be a part of such chaos.

5. I was always aware of my surroundings.

It's not all peaches and cream being the only black person in a group of white people. I was always conscious of what we were doing and who was around, just in case something happened that would draw attention to us. My friends never have and probably never will know what it's like to be targeted for the color of their skin.

6. You feel threatened when another black person is around.

These are my white people, not yours. Don't steal my thunder.

I have not forgotten my roots or where I came from, and I don't plan on that happening anytime soon. I did, however, grow up around white people, and it doesn't bother me one bit. I'm glad I have had people come into my life who accept everything I am and want to be around me. I'll forever be the black friend who white people are so proud to have.