Undocumented but hoping for the best.

I just wanted to share my story with you guys. My name is Manny. I grew up in Mexico and came to America at the age of 4. We came because my mom wanted to flee from our dad who had an alcohol problem. Back then, I thought it was a good idea, but I had no idea how it would affect me.

Just until recently, I lived a good life. Although I still am poor, I managed to change drastically in high school. I became more social and got more friends. Also, I enrolled in many honors and AP courses, to the point where I became 3rd in my class. I ended up with a high GPA and participating in many clubs.

Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be a doctor. Not because of the money, but because I want to help others. As of right now, chances are very slim. I applied to several universities and got into them. However, the ones I wanted to get into such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern, rejected me because I was illegal. I had other students in my class who had lower grades and everything, but they got accepted. Also, I'm ineligible for FAFSA so I have to go to a cheap university. I have to work because I am poor, which I do illegally.

All my life, I always challenged myself. I never backed down or settled for anything. However, settling for a college is depressing. I always thought to myself that I could achieve anything. However, the most important barrier is not education itself, but the absence of a social security number.

It's really disappointing that we have so many students who are brilliant but because they are undocumented, they can't move on. I hope to God that this bill passes or some sort of Immigration Reform. We need it. We didn't necessarily chose to come here, but we don't regret it. We want to contribute to society. We're not asking for money or some sort of advantage over other students, we're asking for the opportunity to be someone. We are human beings not just "illegals." No matter how many of us they deport, or discriminate, we can always dream. And with enough motivations, dreams become reality. This website is the first step to achieve this dream. And, sooner or later, our DREAM will become a reality. Thank you.

Hey Manny.. Keep your head up.. Put in the work and I'm sure you'll be a doctor some day.. Until then, keep your head straight and focus on the tast ahead, Dream Act! Hope all is well dude =D

Manny,

Your story sounds like mine in many many aspects. Please keep hoping for the best. I hope to become a doctor one day too, and even though our situation is going to just keep putting more obstacles in our way, I know that we can do it. By the way, have you ever thought about applying to Cornell University? It's a competitive school to get into, but I believe that you have the determination and the grades to do so. I would suggest trying to transfer in next year. They are very nice with financial aid for Canadian and Mexican citizens(even though that might be chancing soon). Still, you don't lost a chance in trying. I can assure you that you will get a great education and if you are into math and science like I am, then you will love this place. PM If you want more info or anything. Just don't give up man. We will make it through this shit hole situation one day.

Manny dude, stand strong, you're not alone, most of us are in the same situation. Just keep your head up and you'll see, sooner rather than later you'll be treating patients left and right. Until then, just work hard and stay out of trouble.

If you come to Texas you can apply for the TAFSA, which is some sort of financial aid. Hope this helps.

Use this as your motivation to becoming a Doctor.

HII, O me too im currently an undergraduate doing pre-med hoping to go to med school in the future. I was able to get an internship this summer at MSKCC but unfortunately can't get paid for obvious reasons. So far I have met great doctors who although didn't go through the same situation that we are going through really show me that it is possible with patience and perseverance to become a doctor. So I get you, my goal is to get into med school one day and I'm determined to do it. I was wondering if anyone here knows someone who was able to go into medschool and knows how the process is for us. I do know there are some schools that offer full tuition for md/phd program regardless of your status but I'm not sure I really want to go through this track plus these programs are extremelyy competitive. So if anybody knows any good info. Please share.
Thanks, Cyndi

Cornell is da best skool in da world! Nuff said

I'm saying that because I think u belong here. We are all so similar

I actually did apply and got admitted into Cornell! However, they just changed their financial aid policies. As of right now, they do NOT offer any financial assistance to Mexican transfer international students =/