A hello and a nice long Introduction.

I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself. ^^;;

I was born in South Korea. When I was five, I was brought here (New York City) to "visit" and spend the summer here on "vacation," which was clearly not the case. I only remember fragments of my short five years there (like how devastated I was when my grandmother tricked me into eating rabbit soup).

When I first started school, I was bullied for being a freak, an alien, and unable to speak English. (Poured sand in my then super tight permed hair, pointing at me, excluding me, etc.) My teacher then, God bless, was like a saint. She always made sure I wasn't hurt and was able to catch the kids in the act. She even carried me around once during a class trip to a play. By the time I learned to understand and speak English, I had moved and transferred to a different school (I moved around roughly three times during my elementary school days). I made beautiful, amazing, best friends during third and fourth grade. I graduated with honors in Social Studies.

During Jr High, my parents transferred me to a Catholic, private school from my local public school because some random kid's unidentifiable sharp object cutting my face while walking in the halls. Thankfully, I do not have a scar. After I transferred, I became a quiet, socially awkward, pushover with only one friend (who is one of my best friends now) and few acquaintances (who borrowed money from me and never paid me back, took my pens and gum, and who I let cheat off me because I did not no how to say no). I graduated with a gold chord, social studies honors, and science award (for getting the highest grade on this test).

I am now in high school, and yes, it is a private, Catholic school. During freshman year, I managed to receive Principal's List throughout all the semesters, and rank in the top 5 of my class. Now, in sophomore year, I can still say I rank in the top 5 of my class, and hold my name on the Principal's List. I'm in Science Research, and am now candidate for National Honors Society. Oh, and I'm still that slightly awkward kid who'll say yes to you, even if you are the biggest b!tch and hate my guts. I've gotten better, though. I have plenty of friends and can raise my hand in class. Still, giving oral reports are a huge pain to my bottom because I get extremely nervous which leads me to stutter, sweat, and fidget (and not get the grade I hope for).

Unfortunately, when it was announced that the Dream Act did not pass, my parents told me the truth. I was devastated, and I'm sure everyone here was too when you found out about your status. I'm here for support and to support, even though I'm a bit young (15).

After some research, I plan to do one of the following if the DA does not see some action soon:

1) go back to Korea during the summer with my visiting aunt, come back with my aunt again, stay, go back with my visiting aunt during winter break, and so on. (I haven't accrued any unlawful presence, right?) I highly doubt it'll work though, but what the hey right?

2) Graduate from High School, go back to Korea, apply for student visa, and then come back again to continue my studies in college.

If my parents don't let me to either of them, I'm going to get myself out of here after I finish college and give DA another chance. If not, I'll say thank you for the education and say goodbye to a well educated, could-have-been well contributing citizen. Perhaps Europe somewhere. I've always wanted to go to Europe.

But really, I really do pray and hope that DA gets passed. Even if it has to get tighter and stricter, and cuts me out. At least some of us will get something.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to have lovely discussions with you here!

Dream on! <--- It's really corny. I know.

Very interesting... I am currently waiting to go to SMU but I am unfortunately unable to afford it and am now sitting in an apartment doing nothing because of economic hardships. I graduated last year and got accepted to SMU and took a leave of absence and am waiting like you for this DREAM Act to pass. I want to do something but calling and emailing senators for me is just not enough, I want to get out and do something. I may be called illegal but did nothing wrong, I came here when I was three from the capital of Peru and its been fifteen long years growing up and thinking I had a chance and now I am waiting for that chance.

Peru, huh? I'm guessing you don't remember much than me either, considering you came here when you were three.

College is a downer for me. I mean, what will I do with it if I decide to stay? Meet some citizen while on the job, working as a waitress getting paid under the table? I wouldn't want to use anyone for that. Even if it is true love, I would feel guilty for using my lover anyway. My best bet is to leave as quickly as I can and pursue a "better" life where I will be wanted and welcome. Ironic, isn't it?

My hopes are with you. Economically, for college, I'll be set. Back in Korea, there's some sort of insurance or something for college or education (nationally and internationally) that my parents set up when I was born. Even though it would be "wrong" legally, have you tried looking for work? Or consider private scholarships and grants? I heard, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that there are some private scholarships that are available to everyone, despite status.

Hopefully our dreams will come true. (You can ignore what I'm about to say because it will be negative.) But I doubt the Dream Act will pass in the next two years. There are more things the government is worried about than immigration reform, or that the government doesn't just simply care enough. It saddens and angers me to be honest.

Hi andb!

Welcome to the forum and I really liked your presentation. Good thing we're not in the English class because I would have given you an A.

Welcome..I like your story. It reminds me of my childhood.

A+++ story. Dream on!

nice story, welcome

Welcome and Hello Everyone...!
corrad here,22 Female, New to this forum.After joining this forum I come to know forums are really good opportunity to sharing information to a related topic. I like to join this forum... Thank you for accepting me as a member of this community and sharing your interesting story... Hope I will enjoy it here. If you want to know something about me then feel free to ask...!!
Have a Great Day...!!!
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Sending you through all these private schools gives me impression that your parents have enough money to send you to Korea and then back to US as an international student.. When you graduate US college as an internatinal student, you can apply for jobs unlike many of us.. but getting a job as international will be hard.

Hey mate, you seem like you're heading in the right direction. You are still very young and have still much of high school ahead of you. Don't let this status thingy play in your mind. I'm sure you'll be accepted to the college of your choice and with your credentials and dedications, you will most likely be eligible for scholarships as well. Just don't let your academics slip at this crucial stage. That is one advice I would give you from experience. Also there is a good chance DA will pass by the time you graduate as President Obama has promised to tackle immigration within his first 100 days in office. Good luck.