Hello,
I have been contemplating on how to start a letter like this. I could start with how angry, depressed, or frustrated I feel being in the situation I am. I know that there are a lot of problems that are occurring in the world, and I understand that some people will over look this letter and go on with their lives. That’s what I want most, to go on with my life. So I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and listen to my story, because this is not just a story, it is my actual life.
My name is Benjamin and I was born in Santiago, Chile. I was 9 months old when my parents brought me to the place where anything is possible, the United States. I had a normal childhood, just enjoying life in the simplest of times. Elementary school, Middle school, and life were just flying by. When I turned 16 my parents told me they did not want me getting my license so young because it was so unsafe, so I had to wait till I turned 18, not knowing I would not be able to get one. I did not grow up with tons of money, so from a young age I knew the only way to make something of myself would have to be to excel in school. I was accepted into the International Baccalaureate program at my local high school and also had been playing the clarinet since 5th grade and started to play the violin my junior year. I knew my future was going to be bright. As most teenagers, at some point in my junior year I decided I wanted to get a job, just to have extra money to go out, buy clothes, or just do anything.
My friend and I then went to the local Steak and Shake to apply. I grabbed an application and called my mom to come pick me up. As I was filling out my application in the Wal-Mart parking lot, I asked my mom for my social security number. I never expected what would happen next. I knew I was born in Chile, but I had no memory of even ever living there. She then told me I was undocumented, or as some people use the harsh word, “illegalâ€. I did not really understand what that meant, but my mom then explained to me. It felt like I had grown up being someone that I was not. I figured it would be such an easy fix, but then came to learn it wouldn’t be. That day I felt as if I had just seen my future explode in my face. I felt as everything I was doing was worthless.
In the upcoming months, I had fallen into a depression and had to be put on medication. I then had to talk to a therapist, but I did not tell her of the real problem that was occurring in my life. I quit band, and my grades were dropping, because I had lost all of my motivation. After a couple months with the anti-depressants, and having to get a higher dosage, I started having suicidal thoughts, and planned my death. So as I sat crying in my room, I thought of the repercussions and all I could think about was my mother who has done so much in my life. So I called her, and she reassured me that everything was going to be ok. After that incident I was put in a behavioral center for a week and taken off the medication.
I finally graduated high school, with honors, and awarded the bright futures scholarship. I am the type of person that knows that higher level education is needed to have a bright future. So here I am, 19 years old, waiting for the DREAM Act to save my life so I can have my chance to go to college and do what I want with my life. My plans are to attend a four year college and get a B.A. in Health Care Administration, and then get my Masters.
As I said I know there are so many problems in the world, and this is just another one of them. There are so many stories like mine, and people like me. I feel as if I am on a dead end road with nowhere to go. It has taken me so much to even write this story because every time I think of it I am reminded. My brain can just not understand how I am illegal; I have felt as a U.S. Citizen since I knew what one was. So I sit here with tears in my eyes starring at this word document just not knowing what else to say. Not knowing who will read this, which people will care, if things will change, and if my life will ever begin. So I will end this story which happens to be my life, with just a simple phrase. Help me and help others like me.
The DREAM Act is the law that will let my life and many others begin.
