... just by reading some personal stories you guys have written. So I decided to share mine as well.

I was brought here by my mom, alongside my brothers and sisters at the age of 8. I come from a pretty big family (I know, huge Mexican family..shocker, right?). I'm the 3rd youngest out of 9 siblings. My older sister stayed in Mexico to marry her fiance, so it was really hard for my mom to part. I still remember the exact date ( August 11, 2004) we arrived at my dad's apartment where he lived with my two older brothers, which had immigrated before us.

I was enrolled in school in the 3rd grade, and like any other 8 year old, hated every single minute of it. Back in Mexico I was a pretty bright student (not to toot my own horn) but I guess it just carried over . I did well in elementary school, thereafter went to middle school where I also did well. The same went for High school. I knew of my status early on.. in junior high school. Knowing my status was a deciding factor into me not joining any school activities or sports, for that matter. I went the same rout in High School, just keep a low profile never really wanting to stand out. To this day I regret doing so. I regret not ever joining a sport or not being involved in school activities.

Then senior year came. The year where everyone is ecstatic about everything. Not me. I felt trapped in a cage. I felt that since I didn't have a SS there was no way for me to get a higher education. That dream of me going to college and becoming someone in life quickly faded. I had no interest in college until I met two sisters that were in my Spanish class. They were the main factor which changed my mind to go to college. They were in the same boat as me, with no green card, but they had something I lacked, motivation.

From that moment on, late 3rd quarter. I decided I was going to attend a community college. I registered at the school, was given my placement test and had chosen my actual schedule for the fall. I was excited.. but wait I realized there was going to be no way for me to pay for school. I decided not to go to school and find a job instead. Was that a good choice? I try to convince myself it was, but part of me says I was an idiot for not taking the education rout.

(If you got this far, you're awesome! )
I managed to get a job at a restaurant as a cashier, which I'm still working at. 5 years, I've been in that job. Just working my ass off trying to save up money to be able to go to college. I've now saved a descent amount of money and have been able to buy a descent car. I just recently re-registered for a community college and I'm still waiting to get my appointment date for my placements. This is where there part of me that said to go to college comes out and says.. "I told you so." Now I'm worried that most of the stuff I was taught in school, I've forgotten. It sucks just starting over, but I have to deal with it.


I have hope the dream act will actually pass this year, but I'm a very pessimistic person. I always look at the bad side of issues as to the benefits, which is annoying. I know many of you have had a tougher time than I have, and for that I know you'll be stronger than most of us will. Like Kanye West's song goes "that that don't kill you, can only make you stronger," is so true.

That pretty much sums up my whole situation, just wanted to share it with you guys.. and I hope it doesn't go unread. Let's keep fighting this till the end, because the hard times we've gone through HAVE and WILL make us stronger!