Year 9/28

'You were born stupid, you'll stay stupid, and you'll die stupid.' I witness racism in German schools. At our primary school, my brother and I are praised for our exceptional politeness, respect and enthusiasm in class. We were often called 'nerds,' but then my brother went to Mainz Castle Grammar School, perhaps the most prestigious grammar school in Mainz (at the time). At that time, I was still in Year 4 and known as a bookworm. What I only began to understand years later, he had to experience first-hand. Racism and discrimination. Imagine being bullied, laughed at and pushed around by your white classmates at the age of 11, even though you clearly demonstrate a higher level of education. Today, I no longer need to prove to those who know me that the results of our IQ tests fall into the category of gifted. At the age of 11, you are not welcome because you are a migrant. Unimaginable scenarios that break the heart of an 11-year-old. Mr Kunkel (mathematics teacher 2006/7, Schloss Gymnasium Mainz) with the following words: 'You were born stupid, you will remain stupid and you will die stupid.' This is not an isolated case. One day, my brother's classmates steal his few pencils. He then hides a pencil case, saying, 'You'll only get it back when I get my pencils back, because otherwise I won't have any!' The art teacher loses her temper. You all know how big teachers' key rings are. She actually throws the key ring with full force at my brother's face. I experience all these things up close and, to be honest, I don't understand why they treat my brother this way and why my parents, who already have such difficult living conditions, cry even more... On that day, ladies and gentlemen, a drive is formed. Even if it costs me my last breath, I will prove to the whole world that we are the children of an artist and a philosopher. We are children who believe in God and are capable of worlds more than you could ever imagine in your wildest dreams. To the art teacher and to Mr Kunkel: One day, you will not be able to ignore this message: No child is born stupid, remains stupid and dies stupid.