Quote:
Originally Posted by jakecho
Hey all. I am having an interview with a school this week, and I am very nervous because it's my first.
I am deciding whether I should mention my situation to the alumni. To me, my undocumented status has been my biggest dillema during hs. Of course there were a lot of problems I have faced, this is the biggest and it has changed me greatly in a positive way.
This school is a school that welcomes undocumented students so I wrote on my app about my status. However, I did not get personal.
Do you htink it'll be okay to tell the alumni if he asks something like "what has been your biggest problem?" "why do you wnat to study what you want to study?" (study is related to my status)
Help !!!
Just regular interview advice would be helpful too. Like, do I bring a resume, do I have to dress?
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First of all, here is what I would do. Do not rely on people here to tell you to avoid certain "dangers". Your problem is quite simple. I've faced similar predicaments like yours.
Pleases, do some research on the interviewers on the specific college. Learn the process. If I were you, I would try to get a hold of some of the officials, administrators, etc.
You mentioned that your school welcomes undocumented students. That is a start; now you can at least ask some of the school administrators certain questions. Research and ask how your answer about being undocumented would affect your admission into the school.
It's pretty simple. You won't risk anything, by simply asking. Hell, ask anonymous, if you aren't up for it.
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Personally, I understand why people tell you to avoid this. However, I am of a very different belief. I just graduated from high school. The majority of my teachers from 11-12th grade knew of my status. They knew because I was able to build strong relationships with them. Even the school Dean knew. You know what happened? They helped guide me even more. They helped me write scholarship essays, college essays, and gave me tons of support through many other ways.
I would say that 99% of my close friends knew of my situation. I am very open about my status to those I feel I can confide with.
Guess what? Not everyone is out there to get you. Other people actually want you to succeed. I would say that I make the best out of my situation. I don't try to hide under a rock and avoid all dangers.
Hell, I just started college this past Fall semester. 3 out of my 5 professors learned of my status. I also built strong relationships with them. My college advisers knew of my status. They all have helped me, as I continue to apply to scholarships, internships, etc. They have been very helpful.
I have been working with many activist groups for the DA. They all know my status, too.
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Now, do not tell me that I am being ignorant; that I am just getting myself into trouble. The complete opposite has occurred, even. Fortunately, I don't feel ask concealed as many Dreamers.
I understand that people are afraid of being deported. I fit the typical Mexican stereotypical appearance. Deportation is always on my mind. It also affects my family. So, do not tell me that I do not know what it feels to be discriminated on. I have had many relatives and friends deported, ever since I was able to understand the concept of immigration as a six-year old.
That is why I make wise decisions. I do not tell every stranger left and right about my status. I only tell those who I feel I can share my story with, and know that they will help me in return.
Please, don't be afraid. Be wise. Do NOT put away opportunities that you face. Do NOT just brush them off. Please, don't do that. Instead, work around it. Be cunning and articulate in your mannerism.
Good luck!