My Story and Feelings...

smartneel1990 · 06-19-2011, 03:45 PM

Hi Everyone,

It was really motivating reading all your stories and upsetting at times too to learn how much struggle us Dreamers and our families are going through. I also have a story to share, a story that I've kept inside me for a very long time, hoping that one day all the hardships will pay off. I came to the US at the age of 7 with my family. I studies under the US education system and completed the best curriculum that one can possibly get. When I came here, I had no idea what this country meant for me. It was through experience and constant hardships that I learned to value US and respect the generosity of its people. My family at first was barely making it in this country. My uncle worked day and night trying to earn some money to support the family. My mother took care of my sick grandmother, did household work, and helped out in every way possible. My father worked in a convenient store, which required standing on his feet every single day. I was too little at the time and didn't really understand what was going on or how everything worked. When my family came home from long days at work, I always saw them smiling although inside they were extremely tired. They later told me that everything will work out for us in the future, and that I was their strength and their motivation. They told me that they were doing everything so that I could have a better life in the future. My grandfather had past away very long ago, and the two brothers had supported themselves and their sisters very bravely. Being raised by a widowed mother, they knew how hard life can get and had only one goal...to give me a better future than what they had received. I even remember my mother waking up in the mornings making breakfast for everyone in our apartment, and telling me everyday that hard work will always pay off. She always told me to thank god for what you have instead of comparing yourself to others, and always remember that one day things will get better. I kept reminding myself that one day I will change all this. I am in the land of opportunity and one day I will achieve everything I set my mind to.

After completing high school with extremely amazing grades and a really high GPA, I found out about my status and faced the challenge of received higher education that many face today. Due to me overstaying, I would soon learn that I have to pay double tuition. However, since I was under a guardianship, I was able to pay regular tuition for a limited time only, but after that...double tuition with no guarantee of having a successful career and a place in the job market. I tried not to think about all this but the thoughts would haunt me day and night. How can I make my family situation better if the law considers me as an outsider? I still pushed along, and completed my first two years at a county college majoring in Biology and doing well in my courses. I am now in my last year at a university, majoring in Biology, Psychology, and minoring in Chemistry. I want to go to medical school so that I can save people's lives, and give something back to the country I live in. I have grown up with american kids, have many friends that are american, have topped many of my classes, and all I want is higher education to support my family and save the lives of people living in america. What is wrong with this? What is wrong with helping the people who I consider my own?

When I heard about the Dream Act, I realized that it can help me achieve what I want in life and help others live longer and better, curing them from any medical problems they have. I want to go to medical school but the tuition is so much and we don't have that much money. I cannot even apply for financial aid, and don't even know what will happen when I complete medical school and look for a job at a hospital. I just hope that the Dream Act passes soon and is put into effect so that I along with many other Dreamers can succeed, support our families, and contribute to the society.

After all, we only get one life to live...and living that one life should not be so hard every single day. I don't know what will happen in the future, but I still live life based on my family principles and their love. If the Dream Act passes then that will be the best thing ever, but if it doesn't due to petty arguments and unfairness, then I will still continue to help people and make their lives better. My motivation to succeed in America is still with me, and no matter what happens I will never give up...that much I can assure everyone. Those going through similar situation as me, keep faith, love and support your family, always thank god for what you have, and work together to help bring change and better people's lives. We all are American in heart whether the law considers us to be or not. We all have worked hard and love this country very much. We all can make it in life, all we have to do is never get tired of the hardships that come our way and keep succeeding.

Always remember that some people get everything easy in their lives, but the true heroes are those who succeed even when many want them to fail. Have faith in god and stay strong!

Thank-You for reading my story.