The (illegal) American Dream

A few months after my family moved to the United States, our visas expired and I became undocumented. Although this didn’t affect me immediately (because of my young age), it became an issue when I wanted to obtain a driver’s license and employment, but couldn’t. I started to see things differently. A mentor of mine told me that being undocumented would present difficulties as I tried to attend college, pay for school, obtain employment, and achieve the so called "American Dream".

Being undocumented allowed me to experience challenges that others might not see or encounter. For example, it prevented me from receiving financial aid in college. Although many US citizens also receive no financial aid, I wasn't even able to apply for a loan because of my status. I could apply for jobs, but not having a social security number made it difficult for employers to consider me, even if I was the best candidate.

My circumstances taught me that if I really wanted something I had to work extra hard to obtain it. No one was going to hand it to me. I encountered many roadblocks, but my perseverance also opened many doors. I learned that sacrifice and hard work pays off. I even learned that it was possible to find joy in the middle of hardships.

This undocumented stage of my life lasted over a decade. It was a time of incredible learning, but of all that I learned the principles I have come to value the most are Vision and Determination.

Having a vision is essential and I have never been afraid to aim high. I have learned that short-term visions must be aligned in order to achieve long-term visions. I have also learned the importance of remaining focused. If the vision or goal isn’t immediately achieved, we must have the determination to keep going. Never quit.

Although I encountered many difficulties along the way, being undocumented did not stop me. I was willing to work hard and do my part. It was through determination that I was elected Student Body President of BYU-Idaho, and it was through determination that I was able to graduate debt free. Having a clear vision and the determination to achieve it has taught me that the only thing that will stop me from fulfilling my dreams is me.

Through my own persistence and with support of those around me, I have been able to accomplish great things. Those accomplishments have brought great personal satisfaction and they have helped me grow. I was able to get a Green Card in January of 2013, and in the summer of 2016 I had the amazing experience of becoming a US citizen.  It has been a long, difficult road, but I wouldn’t change a thing about how I got here.

I became a US Citizen- July 27, 2016

I am a believer that my decisions will determine my future. I am grateful for the many great mentors and leaders I’ve had along the way that have pushed me to make the right decisions. I am days away from starting my MBA at the University of Wisconsin and I couldn’t be more excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity.  

No matter where you are in life, if you have a vision, don’t quit. At first, having a vision gives you the motivation to accomplish it, but when things get gloomy or tough, it’s easier to give up. If that is the case, when motivation ends, diligence begins. In order to stay diligent, you need determination.