I am currently a student in a design class. I can not figure out how to change a current layer black yet have it show up white on my screen. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Color "white" (#7) is displayed in white on dark backgrounds. And it is plotted in black - but you can setup any color for plotting (see plot styles).
 
Assuming you are using AutoCAD - moved to the right forum.

yes i am using autocad 2010. So I should just change the color to #7? I love how simple some of these things are when I have been messing with the issue for 30 min! lol