I’ve been told I’m exotic on more occasions than I have toes. “You look so exotic,” an older lady told me once at Publix in Florida. “Where are you from?” “I’m originally from New York,” I said, ...

Please don’t call me exotic. It may seem like a compliment for you, but to me, it is anything but that. Surrounded by girls who are blonde, blue-eyed, tall and fair skinned, I realize I stand out.