Harvard University

On January 18, 2013, a strident voice bellowed over the school’s loudspeaker, “Mitchell F. – please come up to attendance.” I nonchalantly packed my backpack and meandered over to the attendance office. I noticed my father and a close family friend conferring with my middle school principal. I immediately detected the palpable anxiety and tension. My knees started shaking, and my skin’s pallor repelled the eyes of those around me. With hesitation, my father and our friend held my hand and walked me to the car, where grim news inevitably awaited. “Listen, Nene. Mami had a heart attack.” In a…