Students for Fair Consideration

I write today because I am saddened. My friend, who is also an AB-540 student, is two quarters away from graduation but will have to drop out due to the fee increases.

I start to wonder, is this some sort of “natural selection” type of task where only those than can afford to go on, do so? I mean think about it, out of the 400 or so AB-540 students in the whole UC system, what makes us different? I think that all of these hurdles are making us look for alternative ways to reach our goals. The fact that this social institution inhibits many of us from paying the financial need makes us compete for the limited economic resources that are available. Not only that but in the end, who can go on to a graduate school or professional school? It is us privileged few.

I wish that I had an easy solution to my friend’s position but what can I do besides advocating for our rights and suggesting that she apply to the few scholarships that are out there for her?

What will we (the few privileged AB-540 students who are still here) do to help others?

Hey everyone!  I just want to share my experience of going to Lighthouse Charter School in Oakland.  C.A.M.B.I.O and Lighthouse Charter School worked together to do a presentation to the high school students about getting the application for college ready ans submit them.  It was an amazing experience!!!  Just priceless!  We are organizing another following workshop for novemeber, this time is going to be an AB 540 WORKSHOP.  Then in february, we are going to have a FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP.  All the workshops are bilingual!  I’ll be posting the dates, so if you guys want to attend you are welcome to do so.

Some might tell me that we, undocumented people, are the undesirables of a much corrupted society but I tell them that “NO” we are what makes this nation stand strong and running.  Although there are people who still imply that we are the catalyst of the economic downfall, I tell them that we are trying our best to make a positive impact in our “native land”. However, it’s funny how there are people in this world who still possess that superiority attitude without realizing that we are in a new century where more and more of us, the “minority”, are getting a better education to defend our honor and prove to anyone that we are not just any minority in this society, but  rather intellectuals with aspirations and leaders with a vision of success and equality for all.  

You can call me “Hope” or “Esperanza” because that’s what I have… HOPE FOR A CHANGE! LA ESPERANZA DE UN CAMBIO! I was born in the beautiful state of Michoacan, Mexico.  Currently I live in the Bay Area with my parents and my little sister.  My father was born in Michoacan, Mexico.  He is 42 years old; his hands can vividly show the necessity of having a few pieces of bread to feed his brothers and sisters when they were left alone, since my grandmother and my grandfather past away when he was a child. 

My father is the youngest of six, and still he managed to take responsibility for his siblings at a very young age.  Despite the fact that he was the youngest of all, he was very mature and responsible.  Due to the few and scarce opportunities that my country offers, my father went completely bankrupt and lost a small family business.  In addition, he began to feel depressed and began to drink.  In 1995, my father migrated to the United States when I was only five years- old.  He left my mother and me in search of a better future. 

On the other hand, my mother, my hero, is a 42 year- old woman that has struggled a lot throughout her lifetime.  She was also born in Michoacan, Mexico.  Since the beginning until now, she has been the light of the family.  I can recall how she used to earn some pesos (Mexican coins), and she rather spend that money on her daughter than herself.  My mother has put her daughters first all the time!  I really admire my mother because of her kindness and generosity, but also because of her braveness and courage to succeed.  Even though sometimes life has been very tough! 

In 1997, my mother migrated to the United States leaving behind her only daughter, heading to “El Norte” in order to give a better life and better opportunities to her daughter, to me.  Later on in 1999, I was heading to “The Land of Opportunity” just as my dad and my mom had done it.  I was only nine years old when I saw my father after four years and my mother after two years of absence.   Deep in my heart I knew that every sacrifice they made was made thinking about me and my future.  That is why I didn’t resent their absence so much. 
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