I came here to the United States when I was 12. I found out that I was undocumented when I was 15; I asked my parents if I can apply for a driver's license. I didn't know how to react then, I guess I was optimistic. I told myself, "At least I'm going live a sustainable life, biking and walking." But as each opportunity became more out of reach, my optimism wore out.

I want to be someone else. Someone else with a SSN, someone who is legal, someone whose worries would not be about one's immigration status. I didn't want to make up some excuse as to why I'm not driving. Or why I can't drive down to Mexico. Or why I can't fly to out of state competitions (high school forensics). The idea that I'm not "supposed to be here" became the center of my life. I lost focus in school and turned to other (unacceptable) things.

The DREAM Act changed all of this. When I read the legislation, and when I learned that people, people with authority to change things, care for people like me, I became hopeful. I have a chance. My self doubt and self hatred vanished. And although it didn't pass then, it made me realize that I have to take an active part. Motion/movement is key: keep working towards your goal, despite the obstacles and distractions along the way. 2009 will be the year for us dreamers.