Life as an undocumented student is an impossible, shocking, hilarious, and often frustrating tragicomedy. It inspires and requires immense creativity and resourcefulness. I was fortunate to be the first student ever from my high school to attend Harvard College, an accomplishment that is even more remarkable given the time (2005) and my status as an undocumented student. By remarkable, I mean almost miraculous and sadly uncommon–and I cannot take full responsibility for it happening. I had tremendous academic and social support from caring adults and committed gatekeepers (my interviewer and admissions officer) who, with my admission and the admission of the small group of students around that same time, worked to change our lives and also took definitive steps toward advancing higher education access for undocumented students.
Tens of thousands of undocumented students each year are not as fortunate as I was. It is they who inspire me to keep walking this education journey. I am among a group of pioneers, a very small group of undocumented students across the nation who are trailblazing this journey–through Ph.D. programs, law school, medical school, and more. It is a lonely road many times. It is draining to clear out the forest ahead, but we have a tireless spirit. I am humbled by this opportunity and take so much courage from my mentors and peers, without whom I would have NEVER gotten this far. I have two years to finish my Ph.D. in Education. I’ve begun to plan and write my dissertation proposal. I’m scared. I have no road map going forward. This blog is my attempt to map out my particular journey through this process and through life during this process, set to be complete in May 2017. Adelante!
