A few minutes later, my brother Angel came home and joined me on the couch in his baseball uniform. My mom told us about the day’s raids and the families who had been separated. Without a word, Angel got up and disappeared into the room we share. A couple seconds later, my mom left and we were all isolated. As my baby brother Juan slept in my arms, it was hard to accept that this day had actually come. Growing up, I remember stories of ICE raids from my parents and uncles, but these stories were mythical, like ghost stories. But throughout March 2007, seeing ICE vans in the community and seeing Angel’s tears made all my childhood fears a reality. In this world, I sometimes struggle to understand why we stay.
My parents brought me to California when I was just two months old so I could have an education they never had. Both my parents had to leave school to go to work. My dad finished high school, but my mom only completed the second grade. Their sacrifices have inspired me to challenge myself by taking advance placement and honor classes. Being one of the few college bound Latinas in my school, has been lonesome. I have struggled academically, and during the raids I almost gave up. Wanting the same support many of the other students had, I created a club to help first generation students with the college process. This club has created a new community on campus, and has inspired many students to take on new challenges. We work together to educate first generation students about the college application process, and A-G requirements. We share our struggle rather than become isolated by it. The club has given me strength to attain my American dream of studying medicine at a four-year University. Though the raids still continue and our families continue to live under the poverty line, we are less afraid and we all have hope for the future.
In Fall 2009, I will bring my passion for extending educational opportunity in my community as well as the voice of those who have survived the raids. As I sit in a college classroom, I will know that Angel’s tears, my mother’s courage, and my classmates’ support have given me the strength to work harder and achieve my dreams.
