Hello dreamers

I've been around for a long time but never registered.
Now I want to get more involved than ever and try to help as well.


About me

Well I'm 17 years old, about to start my senior year. Lying to my friends why I'm the only one not driving, as some of you. I know many people around but I only consider a few my friends since we're always hanging out. From my friends, they all have licenses and a job. My excuse so far is "I'm not 18 yet, man" since they're all 18-20 years old. Started dating a beautiful girl, which she's related to one of my close friends, but can't even take her out like she would wants me to. They don't have a single clue about my status, since I've been living here since I was very young.

I'm turning 18 years old on February, but anyways I do realize DREAM won't pass by when I turn 18. I'm known for being a party guy, that's what we love to do but yeah I stay sober. They're always talking how when I turn 18 we will go to some clubs and stuff since I'm the reason they don't go right now. I'm at the point where my status start holding back and yeah feels like shit(Don't like swearing but that's how I feel).
I was going to help a church for a retreat, but then they asked me to fill something for the police since we were going to work with minors and the application asked for many stuff that scared me I ended up dropping it.

How you guys dealt with things when you turned 18? What can you use as ID besides school ID? How were you able to maintain a relationship, as a guy, without even driving?

You're making me reminisce man. It's been 7 years since I walked those shoes. In my opinion, you should tell at least one of your close friends. Your gut should be able to tell you who would have your back by now. I felt that it really helped cope with shhh.
Where do you live? I didn't really use any form of I.D. much till I hit 21. Then I just used the Mexican Matricular card, with a debit card, if friends wanted me to go out to clubs or for drinks, or both =P.
It's hard to give advice in regards to maintaing a relationship since I was driving, and working when I wasn't supposed to, at your age.
Decide whether the consequences are worth your actions. Weigh the chances of being victim of your consequences. And weigh the memories that you can experience if you're wise and lucky enough to not have to face your consequences.
In the last 7 years, I've paid over $1500 in traffic related tickets, I've had my car impounded for 30 days, I've been arrested and handcuffed in front of my friends for a traffic warrant (double jeopardy, case cleared.), I've done community service that took me 2 months to complete, I've been before 3 judges, I've lost one good job after being 'caught' and I've sat in a cell in an orange outfit for a little over 12 hours, because of my status. Was it worth it? For me... yes because I've got the opportunity to live a little. =) I wasn't looking for trouble. I was just trying to live a normal life, and all that shhh happened to have happened because someone decided that I'm not supposed to live one.

I'll be turning 18 this Saturday. (:
Since I graduated last month, I was able to stick with the "I'm not 18 yet" lie. For I.D. I've been using my Mexican Matricular card and my passport if I really need to.
In this situation the only thing that helps is to stay positive (easier said than done, right?). Anyway, welcome Dan.

Thanks guys, that inspires me. I'll take some risks and try to think about everything first. I live in Northen California by the way. Any DREAM groups around?

You can also use your passport as ID (if you have one). If you don't, I'd recommend getting one.

Explaining the non-driving issue can be tricky sometimes, but I've successfully used a whole range of excuses: not 18, don't have the money, failed the exam, I'm against carbon emissions, my license is revoked, etc. It eventually evolved into a sort of silly quirk of mine. Your friends won't make a big deal about it if you don't.

I'd say definitely find a friend (or more) you can confide in. It was such a weight lifted from my shoulders when I first told my closest friend. It can be tough to go through, but if they're a good friend, they'll understand. And then at least, you'll have someone to talk to when you're going through tough times.

Also, consider biking. It's a really great (and cheaper) alternative.

hi welcome to DAP
im 17 right now too, im gonna start my senior year in september...i think were going through the same thing, all the lies and stuff :'(....