similar position here. you achieved that advancement because you didn't like your position before you started your education and wanted to better yourself. you didn't just assume that you were better than everyone else and deserved an engineer's salary because you were of a superior race or whatever. same goes for me.

I've also worked with blacks, asians, and hispanics who have achieved what I have achieved and do excellent work. I would never trade them for anyone who is less competent, skin color is no factor.