I've been reading these forums for some time. I've read through the many inspirational stories and always feel better after reading them. I come to this forum whenever I begin to lose hope.
My name is Joel. I'm 23 and located in northern California. I came to the United States with my mother when I was 3 years old. I vaguely remember the difficult journey we took to get here.
I was largely unaffected by my status until high school. While others were getting their first cars, their driver's licenses, and first jobs, I felt stuck. I couldn't do any of those things. I did eventually manage to obtain a job and a car later, only to be give them up to because of fear of being caught.
While I got a job and a car, I felt like a normal teenager. When I gave up my car and my job, I lost that. I didn't realize how intertwined they were. I loved the feeling of independence those two particular things gave me.
Nevertheless, I was fortunate enough to be able to go to city college then transfer and graduate from a four-year college where I again felt like a normal student.
Now that I have graduated, I am unable to utilize my hard earned degree. I now volunteer at a local food bank and am taking some additional courses at city college. I someday hope to go to medical school; however, that days seems to be drifting further every day the DREAM act is put on hold.
Are there any other college graduates here who are in a similar position?
i think were all in this position but dont give up man thats what everyone wants...for us to give up pack up and leave but i say F that we will thrive here and lets hope dream act passes in the next couple of months!!!
