Immigrant Personal Narrative

Growing up, my life experiences have been shaped by my fear of my mother's potential deportation. Again and again, I watched my mom make all the "right" choices and do all the "right" things, only to be left in debt by multiple lawyers who promised citizenship to my mom.

In time, I internalized the fact that my mom's missing "papers" and financial insecurities had everything to do with a broken system that called for labor but failed to reciprocate their desire for her presence. This information filled me with guilt.

Despite my US citizenship, I couldn't shield her from a broken system. I've developed a dual identity—overachieving in school and returning to fearing the loss of my mother outside. My mom's hope for success made me believe I …show more content…
I transform my challenges into opportunities, becoming a passionate agent of change rooted in a fierce sense of justice.

In response to the failure of local government leaders to address food apartheid and preventable flooding displacing families in my community, I embraced the challenge of establishing a Green Team, fueled by the possibility of creating change on our campus. What began as a local initiative to reduce the excess trash on campus led to a district-wide shift to dispenser stations through advocacy. The success of these initiatives showcased the transformative power of community-driven efforts, addressing socio-environmental challenges and inspiring me to continue to take multiple roles for equity.

With this mentality, I have taken to leading the development of a sustainable agricultural program at my underfunded high school, crafting a Soil Science course addressing the absence of agricultural programs in my hometown. I have first-hand experience that progress is not linear, with setbacks and having to focus on the common goal. Nevertheless, I have refused to settle, and my persistent ambition drives me to become the best version of myself and make a direct, positive impact wherever I

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