My name is Abbi, I was raised to be a missionary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My family is afro-indigenous from Ponce, Puerto Rico and have a rich history and culture on the island that spans centuries. My parents (from Brooklyn) moved to Oklahoma to pursue bible college, and left their culture behind in order to assimilate into the church and live different, successful lives in the evangelical community. I was raised to speak only English, and I was never enrolled in school. My Christian home education was minimal and ended after my parents divorce when I was 9 years old, and did not continue.

Because I was never enrolled in school, access to formal education has not been an option for me.

But I love to read!

I am neurodivergent and hyperlexic, and have a deep love for writing, reading, and learning. I've spent my life nurturing my passion for books and poetry even without access to academia. Thanks Tulsa City County Library!

I passed my HISET and earned college-level scores in each subject (except math). And finally, for the first time, I have academic options.

I now have two major life goals: to pursue my education, and to travel to my family's island, Puerto Rico.

I understand that education is a right most people take for granted. Thank you all for your kindness and support and for reminding me that education and intellect are two very different things.