It's not easy being "the only one" in any situation but if you can manage to handle it with grace you may be able to teach others about tolerance and something about your race, religion or ethnic group.
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In June of 2001 the editor of Personal Report For The Administrative Professional, a National Institute Of Business Management publication, asked readers to share their experiences as minorities in offices. My experience appeared in the September issue of that Report.

Years ago I was the first and only African American in my office at a stock brokerage firm.

I felt no tension and had no problems, perhaps because of my personality. However, after I was hired and was to start in two weeks, my future boss called me several times and spoke with me at length each time. I later found out from the telephone operator that my new boss wanted to hear how I sounded on the telephone and had her listen in. My mom said that they wanted to find out if I sounded "black." I just laughed it off.

Three years later I was hired for another job upon the recommendation of one the firm's best clients. The staff gave me a 1-inch gold bangle bracelet as a farewell gift. My boss contributed the most. He also asked me if I would consider staying if I received more money and a title change.

You have to be able to see issues from two sides (theirs and yours) and have a sense of humor when it comes to people's prejudices, even when it's not funny. When someone says that they are surprised that I know this or that, I always ask, "Why?" A little in-your-face honesty without "attitude" goes a long way to clearing the air. It's not easy being "the only one" in any situation but if you can manage to handle it with grace you may be able to teach others about tolerance and something about your race, religion or ethnic group.