Not the ONLY one
I went my whole life, never once meeting another AB540 individual, never having that opportunity to meet a person going through the same hardships as I. Not being able to drive to pick up my friends for lunch or taking my little sister to school. Not being able to work legally to bring food to our already needy table. Not being able to visit my hometown to see my Tios and Tias that I haven’t seen for more than a decade. Not being able to get financial government support to continue my great achievements in one of the top colleges. Not being able to find someone to relate these hardships with. I honestly thought that I was the only one that has these barriers.
Finally, three weeks ago, I crossed paths with other AB540 Latinas. It was a moment that I was waiting for years! I instantly felt a bigger sense of strength, a sense that I had other individuals with me in the fight for our education and fairness. At this point, I thought that all AB540 students were Latinos, that we were the only ones in this struggle…
Two weeks ago, I was proven wrong once again. It’s not a ‘Hispanic’ thing, it’s EVERYONE. I was very honored to meet many other AB540 students of a variety of ethnicities, strong individuals such as I, that are not taking no for an answer.
For a the whole nineteen years of my life, I was in a search to meet others like myself. And before I knew it, I now know more than fifteen individuals who are in the fight for fair education.My story is their story and their story is mine. I will continue my path to strive to get ahead and support them as I know they will for me. We are here to take all steps forward and never taking a step back.
Welcome! Undocumented students are everywhere — and we are especially loud online. You are certainly not alone. And yes, there is only one way to go and that is forward.
Isn’t it great to find support? Now you know that if you need anything, we’ll be here!
I’m glad that you’re part of this group! I’m so impressed by your accomplishments. Most students in your situation — students without a support network — would never have made it this far. Clearly you’ve had the determination, drive, and initiative. Here’s to moving forward! Can’t wait to see how far you’re going to go this year.
The step of “coming out of the shadow”, understand your legal status stuation and the restrictions, and aim to overcome this injustice is highly honorable and inspiring. It’s people like you that will create a better future and move this country foward!
I felt the way you did in the beginning. I thought I was the only undocumented person in the world.
BUT, we’re organized and growing ever strong now.
Watch the following video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2-lujMXIbg
It’s the 2007 (State Wide) Student Fast for Immigration Reform and Dream Act which we talked about at the Boot Camp. There wasn’t enough time to show the video, but use the link to view it.
It’s very inspirational and reflects the support and solidarity for students fighting for social change. Adelante!
Loved the way you put your struggle into words, couldn’t have found a better way of expressing the many struggles one faces being an AB540 student. At one point I felt the same way and made the same discoveries you did. Let’s pray so that one day our accomplishments in this country will be recognized because all what we want for ourselves will benefit the whole country that is economically at stake. We are not criminals, we are students that are seeking a better future academically and morally. Head’s up!
Yea you are def not the only one. & WE are all eagerly awaiting this dream act!