Every once in a while, 360 MAGAZINE encounters a young person who possesses a certain JE NE SAIS QUOI. This time around, it’s Morgan Brown.
What was it like growing up in your city?
I grew up in New Rochelle, New York where I lived from ages 6-13 before moving to Sammamish, Washington in 2019. Both neighborhoods have very large white populations and for a very large part of my life I found myself chasing validation from my white peers out of a deep rooted need to fit in. Being black in a community where black people were always the butt of a joke, I found myself trying incredibly hard to assimilate to their ‘culture’ in hopes that they’d see our commonalities and be kind.
Who was your inspiration?
I’ve always been inspired by my mother who’s incredibly successful. Sometimes there’s a lot of pressure to live up to what she’s accomplished, but she always reminds me that I’m on my own path that will lead me to completely different places.
Main motivation to attend college and how/why you chose your major?
To be completely honest college was never something I thought about in high school. I was trying so hard to make it through those four years that I didn’t even want to think about the next four. I took a semester off after graduation and then started going to my local community college in January of 2023 where I have, to my own surprise, succeeded greatly. Now, I’m looking to transfer to a four year school in fall of 2025 where I can pursue an English degree and continue to cultivate my love of writing.
If you could look in the mirror and speak to the 10yro version of yourself, what would you say?
I would tell her that things were gonna get worse before they got better, but when they got better they would be really good.
If you could make one change with the world what would it be?
More inclusivity and acceptance for plus-sized people.
Credits
Editor | Vaughn Lowery
Photo | Reese Sherman Photography
Makeup | Natalie Martinez
