Advice from Older Dreamer

I received my work permit in the mail today. I came to the US when I was 7 and barely made the cut-off date for DACA. I was 30 years and 10 months old on June 15th, 2012.

What did I do with my time those 13 years between the ages of 17 and 30? I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education in 2005 and a Master’s Degree in 2008. Those two goals kept me busy and positive because I felt that I was moving forward. I always felt very lucky and very blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue my education. I paid my schooling all on my own, working two jobs and going to school full time. I remember twice I was struggling with my courses and the teachers would say, “I know this is hard work, but trust me, once you are finished and get your degree, you will be set,” but I knew the truth. After graduation, there would be none of that for me. When I received my Master’s Degree, I put an apron on and went back to serving tables for 2 more years. In total, I served tables there for 8 years.

All the while, I also took risks. I looked for teaching jobs and I got a few. They were jobs that I was overqualified for and that didn’t pay close to the jobs that I would see advertised but I couldn’t apply to, but, I was always thankful and glad that I was using my degree. I was content. While I was teaching and standing in front of my students, many times I would look at my students and think, “Wow, I said I was going to be a teacher, and here I am, doing it.” I would put a positive spin on it, such as, “This is good to make my resume and work experience strong. When I get my papers, I will have something to put under ‘experience’” At the schools that I worked at, other teachers would come and go, but I stayed.

At the time, I was sleeping in my parents’ living room, on a big blue couch. Five of us in a one-bedroom apartment. Does the story sound sad? Actually, it was comfortable, and still, I would go to sleep every night and say a prayer of “Thanks.” I was thankful for all the opportunities I had. In a crazy way, I felt blessed. Don’t get me wrong, there were many times and instances when I felt lost and just angry and I would cry, but 90% of the time, I would think of the good and not the bad. The other 10% of the time, I would lie on the couch, the whole house quiet, and I would ask myself, “How long will I be able to look at things positively. When I am forty and still sleeping on the couch, in the same place and situation, will I still be able to think of all of this positively.” I prayed to God, “Please don’t let me turn 40 and still be in the same place.”

It was from that couch, at the age of 30 and 10 months, that I heard on the radio early morning Friday, June 15th, about DACA. You all know what happened after that. Shock, disbelief, can’t believe it, are you serious, thank you God, thank you God, you cry, tears of joy….

The bottom line, and what I am trying to say is, take advantage of all the opportunities, only you set your own limitations. Even if you think something is hard or you wonder if you will be able to do it, do it anyway. I once read on this forum a line that I really liked, “Jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.” Don’t doubt yourselves and give it your best try. The hardest part of doing anything is getting started. Always think positive and focus on what you do have. Read books that will get you thinking in a positive way (that helped me a lot in the difficult times) and if you really have a dream, if you really want something, go for it, keep the dream alive, keep it in your mind constantly and don’t have plan “B”. People might try to persuade you that there is an easier, faster, cheaper plan “B”, but don’t let your mind go there. Some other suggestions: smile, open the door for others, help someone if you notice that help is needed, be kind and generous because the more you give the more you receive. Don’t drink and drive; don’t mess up this golden opportunity. Carry yourselves in a positive way, which is actually the best way promote immigration reform.

One day I will tell my co-workers this story. For now, I tell only all of you.

Thanks for taking the time to read it.

I can relate to you, minus the Master degree thing. I m really happy you seized every opportunity that was given to you, you make me look at life in a very different way. Your iron will paid off and you will be able to put your earned degrees to work. Congratulations and good luck with your life, you deserve it.

Thank you for sharing Elena. You're humble and a good role model.

And you sound like a teacher, so it's no surprise that you are one. Wish you the best.

Wow!! speechless. Wish you the best

Well said. The "the more you give, the more you receive" part really hit home for me. It's really the key to living the good life. Let's be good to ourselves and the others around us. We've all been very patient and patience pays.

Thank you for sharing. You are going to be a great teacher, wish you the best.

This was a pretty awesome post. Good luck!!!!

I really enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing and best of luck to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUTJjWvx3I

Thank you sharing your story. It really hit home for me...I feel everything you said. I'm 27. Studied Engineering in school. Got my Master's as well working odd jobs since that time and still am. Lived in my parents living room and slept on the couch for years. 6 people in one-bedroom apartment. Recently, got my EAD thanks to DACA and will start applying to jobs in my field. Hopefully I can find something to get started on my career.

I wish nothing more than for you to become a teacher. God knows we need teachers like you in this world.