I am a transgender student enrolled in the law program of a private Christian university. I chose this school for its student success rate, proximity to where my husband is currently stationed, it beat Harvard in recent competitions and is ranked 12th in the nation for my program out of 199 schools that offer it. I am a straight A student and take school seriously – it is my top priority as it has unmatched power in my future, therefore the future of my husband and any future kids. I have been asked, and even questioned myself, as to why I chose such a conservative school. I had fears that they would in some way be prejudiced or not take me as seriously. I believe in God in my way; the way they have shown themselves to me in my life but disagree with the bible. I figured I would put my differences aside and learn all I could. If nothing else, I would be taught how to fight the Christian views often used against my community by learning the root of those views.  

I am in a class right now that has teachings I completely disagree with; so much so I wasn’t taking the class seriously. I made my arguments against what my textbook was teaching in a recent assignment. After turning it in I was a bit nervous; I just questioned the book which my teacher, a judge, chose as material necessary for my success. He graded me with a B and wrote two paragraphs in response. Here comes the lesson. 

My professor was happy that I was questioning everything the author wrote. He wanted to hear my arguments and felt they were valid. He was disappointed with how I went about disagreeing. You see part of learning law is how to make valid arguments that have sustenance and fact to back them. I made valid arguments from a defensive and emotional place. I threw away a moment to be heard because instead of presenting facts I presented emotion. I did so because in frustration I wasn’t taking the class seriously. He could see that and challenged me to continue to disagree – most students agree with the author just to get the assignment done. I have the opportunity now to place myself on a different path than others and make my voice heard. My professor wanted to hear it; more so he wanted to help me make a solid argument that had power for it. 

I took his advice and on the next discussion boards I used it. I was able to create an open dialog, and debate with fellow students in a way that didn’t seem defensive or emotional but educated and well formed. Why didn’t I do this before? I had let my own prejudice that because a book was talking directly from the bible that it couldn’t possibly have any solid argument. If I had looked closer, I would have seen that it did indeed have solid arguments both in a religious context and a legal one.  

I have a belief that it's not until we stop placing the burden of acceptance on society and instead put that burden on ourselves to show we can be integrated without a hassle; that we will not be integrated. I made it clear on my entrance essay that I wanted to help my community be seen as equals. I made the mistake of letting my own prejudgment turn me into the one that was prejudice and started to miss out on moments that could help shape the way my community is seen by fellow classmates in a positive direction. My school taught me that it's not about what your belief is; it's about having the strengths necessary to stand beside those beliefs. If we can do that, we can make everyone listen and better ourselves along the way.  

The lesson: Don’t make assumptions; every argument can be valid. Listen, and process then respond without letting emotion being the driving force – an emotional argument is not one that will be listened to by others. My school had no prejudice; I did. Realizing that gave me power to become a better student and better person. Now I have the power to show I am an equal and respectable fellow student.