Growing up, my childhood was different from most of my peers, because I grew up in a foreign country. I was born and raised in a Spanish speaking country—Panama, within an Asian family. Not long ago, I moved to the US, looking for a better life and a better education. I came to the US as an undocumented immigrant. At first, it was frightening for me. It was a huge concern for me not telling anybody. My parents always told me not to tell anyone that I was illegally here. I was told that I needed to be very careful with all the actions and decisions I was doing and making. I was always worried that someone will find out and tell everyone.
Meeting after meeting with the lawyers, their only solution for my situation was to either get married to a US resident or get hired by a big corporation that is willing to help me get my papers. Sadly, I am too young to get married and I haven’t even finished high school. Not long ago, I found out about this organization called E4FC—Educator for Fair Consideration. They explained all my immigrant rights to me. I figured out that I could have free healthcare, have financial aid as stated in the California Dream Act. Although most importantly, they let me know that I wasn’t alone, there are thousand and thousand of people in California that are just as me. Lucky me, I found a job that helps me with my situation and at the same time, they give me resources too. So don’t feel afraid of telling people and looking for resources. Speak up, talk to someone that is in the same situation as you. Don’t you ever think that your are stuck here, and always remember; you are not alone.
Meeting after meeting with the lawyers, their only solution for my situation was to either get married to a US resident or get hired by a big corporation that is willing to help me get my papers. Sadly, I am too young to get married and I haven’t even finished high school. Not long ago, I found out about this organization called E4FC—Educator for Fair Consideration. They explained all my immigrant rights to me. I figured out that I could have free healthcare, have financial aid as stated in the California Dream Act. Although most importantly, they let me know that I wasn’t alone, there are thousand and thousand of people in California that are just as me. Lucky me, I found a job that helps me with my situation and at the same time, they give me resources too. So don’t feel afraid of telling people and looking for resources. Speak up, talk to someone that is in the same situation as you. Don’t you ever think that your are stuck here, and always remember; you are not alone.
YOU ARE NOT
ALONE
- Katerine Chung