Been feeling down lateley...

... 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!

Erase / Rewind

Your story and mine are very similar your still very young and school is always there you may need a little refreshing but I'm sure you'll be fine you said it yourself that your good at school I wouldn't worry to much. Just keep going and lets hope things change for the best soon.

Strength of will and motivation is something you don't wanna lose.
If it doesn't work now, it only proves the story hasn't come to an end, and it'll work out in the future, somehow. Maybe even in a way completely unexpected.

Yeah, I read your whole post (I'm used to reading and writing long things, LoL), and your story's pretty much like mine as well.
With the exception I've only been out of High School for one year, and haven't found a job yet.
Here where I live, I can't go to my Community College cuz it requires a social. The next one in the next county over doesn't, but I'd pay three times as more to go as an international student. Unfortunately I don't have the money for that... so I've been trying to do the same thing as you, get a job and save up.
But I'll only keep on that route until we hear from the Dream Act. If it doesn't pass (IT WILL!), plan B is to go somewhere else where I'll be better appreciated, and shame on the U.S. for losing yet another bright person.

Keep your chin up!
I won't let this situation get me down, because even if it doesn't work out here, it'll work out somewhere down the road of my life.
You should think the same way!

Thanks for the kind words, I'll definitely keep my chin up. It's a shame your state makes it so difficult for you to get an education, something everyone is entitled to. We can only hope it changes for the better, well see!

if you came in 2004 then you're a senior right ?? you're young kid !! don't loose faith

So you came from Mexico at 8 years old in 2004 knowing no english and managed to graduate high school the same year (at 8 years old) then have been working at a restaurant for the past 5 years?

Okay buddy.

yeah im confused too

Typo, obviously. Meant to say 1994. I was born in 1986, consecuently the same year the amnesty was passed. My dad knew there was an amesty; he has here at the time, and decided to go back to Mexico thinking he would never come back..

ohhh dam im sorry to hear that wdil i came in 1994 too and my dad had been here since he was 15 and he would go back and forth until my mom sis and me came in 1994. so my dad had a chance to apply in 1986 when there was the amnesty as well but didn't. We shouldn't dwell on "if only" and should just look forward for what the future holds for us because we all need to be ready for DREAM as it will only change our future for the better!!