Salaam saralou,
I agree with you - she just didn't fit the stereotype of what a Muslim is perceived to be in the US, whether white or not. Hopefully, you're not facing too many problems because of wearing the hijab there - I applaud you actually. I'm facing a similar situation in the near future, and I have to say, I sometimes feel like taking the easy way out - but posts like this make me realise how wearing a hijab among people who make life hard for us is a form of jihad for Muslim women. Very honourable, and hopefully, much rewarded, insha'Allah.
Salaam.