First off I would just like to say "Wow." Roxane Gay's piece really spoke to me. At first when she was discussing Vanessa Williams I wasn't sure if it was a story that was fit for me, but as she started going more in depth with describing her childhood life, I could really relate to what she was talking about. Her writing style is very unique in the fact that she has the ability to bring the readers back in time, and put them in her shoes. Much like the author, I too have taken comfort in reading books to avoid and escape the problems of my every day school life. The stories about the cliques known as the "popular kids" are indeed true. You can spot them everywhere you go, if you pay attention. Gay's story of encountering the traumas of being bullied about her physical features such as her eyes, skin color, and gender are still something that is sadly present in today’s society. It is people like Roxane Gay that accept their Oscars and “call out the names of the golden popular kids” that bring awareness to this unjust social climbing system we live in. Gay is someone who spoke out as an outcast, and made people in the world feel less alone. One can hope that her influence will help other kids believe they can become the Miss or Mister America of the world. Overall, I admire Roxane Gay’s courage to speak out and tell her story after all these years. I myself strive to someday be just as brave as she is.