My name is Ruby Bridges. I was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississipi when segregation in schools ended. There I was raised on a farm where my parents and grandparents sharecropped. 

I was the oldest of my five siblings. Before they were born, first I have to tell you how I grew up. My family experienced difficult times and were living in poverty. In hopes of a better life, we moved to a bigger city when I was four in New Orleans.

Soon after arriving, my father, Abon, took a job as a gas attendant at a gas station while my mom, Lucille, worked night jobs. My family grew bigger with the birth of my two younger brothers and my younger sister. Little did I know, my life was about to change.

I loved Kindergarten! I loved it so much that I would play school with my siblings. My Kindergarten school was several miles away from my home but soon I'd have a shorter trip when my parents were offered, by the NAACP, for me to go to an all-white school named William Frantz Elementary School. Though, in order to attend I had to take a test. 

At first, my parents didn't want me to take this test. My dad feared for my safety but I was determined to pass. Mom told me that, if I tried my best, I could change the lives of other African American children. I practiced everyday in my kitchen with my letters, shapes, colors, handwriting, and could even read a few words. Daddy saw how hard I worked and let me take the test. It wasn't a surprise, I passed!

On November 14, 1960, is the day I went to my new school at William Frantz Elementary School. I knew that I was the only student to attend that looked like me. I didn't know what to think when my parents told me that four U.S. Marshalls would be taking me to and from school everyday for my safety. I was happy for it. My parents told me to be brave for all the children that represented me and oh how I did just that.

My first day I spent it in the principal's office. However, I met my teacher Mrs. Henry. She was very nice and offered me a hug and a piece of candy. Most days I was brave but still felt sad that people were throwing things at me. I didn't show it but I didn't understand the hate. Why couldn't we just love one another despite the color I was? Little did I know, I was the only student in Mrs. Henry's class. We grew to love one another.