I was six years old when my mother decided
to come to the United States.
This is practically all I remember,
since I was very young.
I had education here.
I had experiences here.
When I went to high school, I had many dreams
of going to college and having these amazing opportunities.
However, I learned that I couldn't
go to college, because I didn't have a social security number.
I didn't have papers that would allow
me to continue higher education, and I just felt lost.
I felt like I didn't have a place where I belonged.
I had no future.
My future was to work at a factory,
maybe marry and have kids.
But I had an opportunity to continue the dreams
that I wanted to.
Chaffey gave me the opportunity to know that I
could go to different colleges.
I could reach my goals.
There was a period of time where I thought I couldn't do it.
I thought the whole world was against me,
but I definitely overcame that and that's
with all the help of staff, professors,
counselors here at Chaffey College.
They have really helped me grow as a person, grow as a student,
and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
I am going to be graduating this spring.
When they call my name to receive my diploma
and walk down the stage, I know I will have a big smile just
like I have now and probably a couple of tears
saying I did it.
And I'll go up to my mom and say, look, all the hard work.
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