Introduction

Hello all!
I'm very excited about joing the Dream Act portal. I believe that this is a great cause and that many deserving students will benefit from this. I consider myself one of them. I am a senior at a college in GA (not a good state to live in if you're in my situation btw) about to graduate with a B.A. in Political Science/International Affairs. I cannot receive the HOPE scholarship even though my GPA has stayed at a 3.5 my entire college career. I cannot apply for any other scholarships because of my legal status. I cannot find a job that pertains to my field of study that will not ask me for a SSN. I cannot drive, work, or vote. I can, however, speak-out, study, prepare, advocate, fight, influence, lead, inspire, live, and dream. The fact that list of things I can do is longer than the list of things I can't do is an incredibly comforting thought.

For the longest time I viewed my legal status in this country as a disability. I couldn't drive to school, or get a job, volunteer in some places, but my most pressing fear was that of not going to college. I thought that life was simply just being extra unfair for me. I whined about not being able to do this and not being able that. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing people. I call them my scholarly angels. It is because of them that I will be graduating this year. I realize that without this opportunity I would not be able to DREAM of the possibilities that I will one day have. Even though my graduation is steadily approaching, the thought of law school and the insuperably difficult task of finding a job are nearing, I can't help but feel proud of myself. NO regrets. My education is probably, if not completely, the best thing I have going for myself right now. It is my ticket in to this country, and my only way of reaping the benefits of living in America.

As I begin to think about what will happen in the next few months I make sure that I maintain a positive attitude. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. I will have to go back to work at a restaurant for the summer, big deal. I make money and people there are nice. Not my first choice, but I'll take it. I'll keep applying to law schools (my number one goal) and grad schools (my plan B). I'll keep hoping and praying and DREAMING that legislators will realize that we, the undocumented students, whom I like to refer to as role models and future saviors of this great country, are what AMERICA is all about.

Some advice to those students in HS or College:

1. Never give up-just because something is difficult doesn't mean that you not give it a try. Difficulty is part of the fun.

2. Always strive for excellence. Do your best at everything you do, you will see that it is often THE best there is.

3. Be a leader. You have already made the first step in being a leader by participating with the DREAM Act. Make sure that you build those leadership skills that will one day put you in a position where they will be greatly needed.

4. Educate yourself. Don't only go to school and pay attention. Make sure you know about laws, local, state, and federal, that apply to you. Educate yourself on international affairs. We are engaged in a global community. Make sure that you are able to be a part of it.

5. Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to network, get involved, and do something great for your community. This allows you to make connections, and with this-the more the better.

6. Stay focused. Just because you may not be the all-A student, student body president, or an incredible athlete you are still an exemplary student, worthy of being noticed.

7. DREAM big. Make sure you write your legislators. I gurantee you they get more calls and letters from people protesting about undocumented students than they do supporting them. This has to change. We MUST change this. The DREAM Act is, for most of us, the only way to change our legal status. Lets give ourselves the best fighting chance by speaking our in favor of the DREAM Act. Don't give up and continue striving for exellence.

This is a very inspirational introduction and I'm glad you have a positive attitude.
Welcome to DAP!
stick around.

Welcome! What part of GA are you from? I live in Dalton, GA and can definitely relate to how difficult it has become to live in GA. I graduated from my community college with my Bachelor's, and if you need any advice let me know (you may not since you are about to graduate).

welcome to the DAP

I live in Gainesville, GA. I'm about to graduate in May. Do you have any plans? What are you doing right now that you have graduated?