Now as a Senior in Highschool, I still hold the same perspective. From not getting the same economic help, to losing the opportunity to go travel the world for having achieved something. My immigration status holds me back to the full potential I could possibly reach. I will always stand jealous of those who could apply to a program while I had to sit back and hold tears for the basic reason that I was not a citizen. 

I am not alone, many like me who experienced the same feeling live in the United States in fear. With the help of others, this could all change. Undocumented immigrants could live in a world where nothing holds them back. With your help, by doing just a small act of signing a petition or protesting you could be helping someone like me achieve their dreams. 

I recently applied for DACA after it was closed for a while. I knew this was a big step into my life and was excited that now I had an advantage for higher education. But now I see that it wouldn’t be as easy as I thought it would be because there are still people trying to stop it. 

I'm currently a senior and My goal right now is to graduate highschool and complete the goal my parents have long wished for their son. I'm also in the process of DACA right now. My first form declined because of not enough evidence. Hopefully this upcoming form does not get declined and I become apart of DACA. This will help give me the confidence I need to succeed in life.

My name is Diana Mendoza. I am undocumented. My mother brought me (Two years old at the time) to the United States to join my father, who had already made it through before us. We came from Tamaulipas, Mexico. Ever since I was young, my parents always reminded me how important education is. They’ve always said that that is the sole reason for going to the U.S. They wanted their children to grow up in a place with many opportunities to be successful. 

The Arizona heat is enough to instantly melt ice cream. My father works as a landscaper, and he is always working under that sizzling heat. I feel guilty, terrible that he is working in such conditions. That’s when I finally understood their value. They wanted me to use those years of education to land a job where it does not have me burning under the bright sun. A job that pays well for the skills I have learned throughout many years of school. 

Ever since that day I made that connection, I challenged myself with advanced classes and aim for a spot at a university in the near future someday. Us undocumented folks are hardworking and hope for a much more affordable secondary education to continue the path towards great success.

Now, as a college graduate that struggled to find scholarship opportunities as a former undocumented student and now DACAmented, I am fighting so that other students can have the same opportunities that I have now. Because education creates generational change. 

It is important to get informed about immigration issues. Undocumented youth and DACamented youth deserve an immigration reform and the legislation now so that they can freely pursue higher education. 

Now as a senior in high school, I have seen myself struggle but I am 1 step closer to accomplishing what I want in life and making my parents happy. My parents were not financially stable and had to raise 4 kids so we all decided to migrate to the US and have a better education and live under a better economy. I have always hated the fact that I could only do a limited amount of things without being told by my parents to be careful on what I did because I wasn't a citizen from the United States. Now that I am waiting on my DACA I think I have more options than what I had before. 

Now, as a high school student I am worried that I won't be able to accomplish the things that I've always wanted because of my immigration status. I know I will struggle more to find scholarships for a better education but like my mom says “si se puede”. I want to be part of the undocummented community that is going through the struggle of getting a better education and accomplishing his dreams.

Undocumment kids and adults should get the same treatment that everyone else gets. Not just because we weren't born here doesn't mean we deserve to get treated differently. I know that if a current citizen of the U.S were to be in the situation that us undocummented people go thru they would think the same way as us. I just want people to realize that we just want a better future and to be a better person and not cause any harm to other people like all those negative misconceptions make us look. 

Besides their hard work, my parents always encourage me to dream big. As I enter my senior year of high school, my parent’s push is just what I need. I keep myself optimistic for my future as I constantly discuss my choices with my parents who support me as well as the hope of my DACA application being processed soon. As the saying goes, if there’s a will there’s a way and I am willing to do anything to achieve my goals. I will face challenges on my way but there will always be challenges no matter what. My immigration status may add onto the challenges but I take it in stride. 

In the world, there is nothing better than a helping hand. A helping hand is something everyone can give and anyone can receive. The best thing about a helping hand is that it can come in any form. From signing a petition that can help pass a legislation that will give more rights to immigrants such as myself to advocating for said rights. Even just helping another community member when it comes to sustaining themselves is an amazing feat. One never knows how much an offhand kind action can impact someone else’s life. I know that I want a part of being a helping hand and I know others can join me.