One of my good friends from Cal State East Bay, Miguel P, hosted an event that he has first organized to promote the DREAM Act. For couple of days, Miguel was looking for a student who is willing to share a testimony with him. Miguel generously asked me to see if I’m willing to share my testimony or not. Without any hesitation, I told him I would do it.
I first met Miguel at the San Jose “Mock Graduation,” of event that promoted awareness about the reform of immigration in America. Students from Bay Area gathered together in one place, wore cap and gowns, shared testimonies and expressed concerns about our current broken immigration system that lies in this country. The purpose of mock graduation ceremony was to bring sense of urgency to pass the DREAM Act and the Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The research suggested that 65,000 undocumented students graduating from high school every year, with fine academic performance and serve in thousands of hours in the community, yet they are ineligible to attend college due to the immigration status. One of the Mock Graduation students was holding a sign up high, which it spotted many of us to see clearly. It said, “What now?” with a huge black font. The sign, “what now?” clearly indicates the oppression and limitation of undocumented student’s future despite of their education.
Miguel is fairly short compare to average men’s height, brown skin, slightly chubby I’d say, but has a charming face. Compare to his age, he looks very mature and friendly. He is firmed and serious. Most of the time, he is quiet and thoughtful.
Miguel and I exchanged conversation after the mock graduation, with couple of other DREAM activists. I do not recall what we talked about, but I remember he wanted to get more involved and do something in his college. Shortly after the mock graduation event, he has organized his first event in his campus.
It was on January 7th, 2010, I took a bus and Bart down to Cal State East Bay to participate in Miguel’s event, hosted by MECHA club (Miguel is a secretary of MECHA club). When I arrived to the campus, my heart rate began to increase. I was excited to see Miguel and anticipation of the outcome of his event.
Miguel welcomed me in the Union University room, which is supposedly food court area. When I saw Miguel, I could tell he was glad to see me again. We exchanged few conversations, and then we rushed down to the Diversity Center where the event was held.
The room was filled with students and professors, anticipating something to learn. The event started off with a short film called a “don’t stop me now,” produced by Educator for Fair Consideration foundation. The short film concentrates on stories of four undocumented youth struggling to get ahead in life. Although the film was 30 minute length, but it was a powerful, and clearly educated the spectators about our broken immigration system. In the end of the film, the crowd shed in tears.
The emotional stage elevated as Miguel and I shared our personal journey as an undocumented immigrant. Just like other undocumented students, Miguel had a similar struggle story. Miguel came to this country with his family when he was young and graduated with high school with outstanding grades, and had dreams of becoming someone valuable to this country. By means someone who can contribute and give back to the society. However, he was marginalized its own dream due to the immigration status. One of the pieces of story that he shared really struck my heart. Miguel has worked as a janitor since he was in high school. I cannot imagine a young educated person mops floor and picks up trashes around schools, while other students moving onto next towards life.
The people were moved by Miguel’s story and they wanted to help his cause to change the broken immigration system.
I firmly believe that my duty as a DREAMer, as an educator, as an activist, is to spread stories just like Miguel, to educate other people and inspire them to mobilize and take action to make changes in this country. And I know that one day, stories like Miguel, will change this country.
