Final answer:
Initially, the author's classmates in Boston were culturally insensitive or ignorant, treating the protagonist as an outsider. This experience catalyzed the author's journey towards self-discovery and the pursuit of personal goals, despite facing societal barriers.
Step-by-step explanation:
At first, the other children in the author's school in Boston displayed a lack of knowledge and understanding, which could be seen as a form of cultural insensitivity or ignorance. This experience of feeling different and being treated as an outsider is a common theme in literature and can lead to a sense of isolation, but also to self-discovery and personal development. The protagonist's recognition of their own differences spurred them to find ways to excel and define their own identity, despite the barriers and challenges presented by their environment.