Publisher's Synopsis
This memoir, "Reap What You Sow," chronicles the author's experiences with racism and discrimination while pursuing a STEM education in chemistry and dentistry. The author attended five universities: the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Atlanta University, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Saint Louis University, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, including its School of Dental Medicine. The author details instances of institutional racism and both direct and indirect discrimination encountered at three of these institutions.
The memoir uses the adage "you reap what you sow" as a central metaphor. It connects this saying to both the effort required for success in demanding STEM fields and the idea that actions have consequences, both positive (hard work leading to success) and negative (racism and discrimination creating obstacles). The author emphasizes the importance of effort, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming these challenges and achieving academic goals. While acknowledging the role of natural talent, the memoir stresses that dedication and hard work are crucial for success in STEM.
