It was September of 2013. I'm riding the train (the 2 train to be exact) to my first set of college courses. While on this long and boring ride downtown I'm reading a book. The book had the flag of Iran on it's cover and revolved around the topic of foreign affairs.
The train makes it's ways to a stop and the most awkward thing happens. Feeling a tap on my book I look up and see a woman. Looking at me in a joyous way the woman tells me the most kindest thing I needed to hear. "Excuse me sir" she said. "People who read a lot are considered special. Did you know that?"
Sitting there I was shell shocked. It had nothing to do with the fact that the woman was white. Neither did it have anything to do with the stroking of an ego. A couple of other reasons could also be added as well.
When you get right down to the matter the truth is that I never felt acknowledged. Most of the time I felt like an invisible man. All my life I've been trying to be heard and seen in one way or another. Although I'm a full grown man I still deal with this from time to time.
The train finally stops at it's location and the woman exits through the closest door. Wearing a brand new chip on my shoulder I assumed that the rest of my day would be good. The doors close. The next stop is Chambers Street.
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