Despite the legitimate degree, you are considered the beneficiaries of affirmative action. When this writer read this, the first thought is how to know? Would anyone from your university tell you this? How horrible if it's true. This writer has been praised thus far as being a student of TCSPP and continuation would be a blessing. Successful African American professional women are arrogant, harsh, controlling, self-centered, and arrogant (Bell, 2004). Historically, many have blamed African American women for this. What remains aside in such accusations is the question: why? Due to the legacy of slavery, African American women were never privileged to be submissive, docile, or fragile (Bell, 2004). As a consultant, these qualities enable one to survive in a hostile work environment, where one must deal with both racism and sexism (Bell, 2004). As an African American woman, these characteristics are rewarding. Being who I am has allowed me to feel a sense of pride, self-respect and loyalty. However, trying to balance all of these characteristics can be very problematic, as I am continually trying to find a balance to deflect the negative elements.