The author began by discussing the relationship between her and her parents and their attitudes toward her attending Stanford University. As she made the transition from high school to college, Hooks' parental support was present but minimal: a fact made clear when Hooks stated, "It is difficult for me to talk about my parents and their impact on me because they have always felt wary, ambivalent, mistrusting of my intellectual aspirations even as they have been caring and supporting." Imagining that Bell would venture off to college and completely abandon her past was the fear of the Hooks family, thus causing them to adamantly oppose her going so far from home. Despite her parents' cynicism of her behavior in college and even though they acted in ways which sometimes made her question the value and significance of intellectual endeavor, Bell yet pursued her aspirations with the minimum support she had. From a more personal standpoint, I received support from a myriad of f!
             amily and friends in the college decision-making process. Naturally, there was a slight sense of uncertainty and apprehension, on my father's part especially, but overall, there were no major hindrances in my way. My parents never had to wonder or worry whether or not I would forget from whence I came when I left home for college because they trusted and are trusting in the foundation they have laid; forgetting or being ashamed of my background would be the result of a weak foundation.
             Hooks also note how difficult it was for her to maintain and remain true to herself in a predominately white, Ivy League institution, when she herself came from a working-class background. "It was a kind of treason not to believe that it was better to be identified with the world of material privilege than with the world of the working class, the poor." Believing that one's socio-economic status should not determine their level of...