DREAM Act Portal Forum - Arriving to America at Age 3

DREAM Act Portal Forum (http://dreamact.info/forum/index.php)

- New Members (http://dreamact.info/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=25)

- - Arriving to America at Age 3 (http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15965)

Arriving to America at Age 3

Hello, I’m 22 years old and came to this country illegally when I was 3 years old, nearly a baby not knowing what my future held. So this is my story, my parents came to this country seeking the American Dream, a better life and future for my sister and I. I can’t remember what that was like since I was so young. But I know I lived a happy life with my little family. My father was/is a hardworking man and my mother stayed at home to take care of my sister and I. so at age 4 I began my educational strive. I went to 3 different elementary schools always a straight A student with the highest scores and grades, continued on to high school, was in the International Baccalaureate program which gave advanced students honors and AP classes, I was there for 2 years then found a better opportunity and I took it without hesitation. I skipped my last 2 years of high school and at age 16 I advanced to DeVry University with a full paid 2 year scholarship at no expense to my parents and received my Associate of Applied Science in Network Systems administration at the age of 18. I had a head start while my prior high school friends were graduating from high school and receiving their diplomas I was graduating from college with my Associate’s Degree.

And that’s where my struggle began, I wanted to continue on with my education and pursue my Bachelor’s in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting but the school was too expensive and I couldn’t apply for grants, scholarships, or financial aid. My father knew that I wanted to further my education so he maxed out his credit cards to try to get me through school but it was just too expensive and we couldn’t keep up with paying at this private university so I stopped going. I felt awful that my father was getting so in debt and I still had so much to finish. I wasn’t going to be selfish and put my family through that struggle, at this time I had two more siblings.

From age 16-18 I worked part time at a hamburger joint but as soon as I received my degree I left that job because I knew there was something better for me and sure enough there was, Soon after I started working at a law firm as a receptionist and am now a legal secretary, thought it was the greatest job at my age and I loved it nothing to do with my degree but more knowledge and things to learn. With this better income I started paying my dad back for all the money he invested in me and enrolled in the same school part time once again but like always I still have yet to finish because the school always wants more money and being that I’m a cash student I have to pay in advance and only take 2 courses at a time then take a break, sooner than later I will finish and receive my bachelors and I’m always optimistic. Once I get my degree I will continue on getting the highest level of education that I want and go to Law School. My parents and mentors taught me better than to be a quitter in life and that I am NOT! I choose and have control over what I want to do in life, yes with more struggles and obstacles than your average citizen but I will never let a social security number or legal status stop me from my dreams. I’ve accomplished a lot and will continue to do so because all is possible and in God I Trust! So to all never give up on your dreams, knock out any obstacle that goes your way and hope for the best always be positive! And Never give up!