The Holidays have come and gone, it amazes me how fast this year has gone by already. Another year that flew by us, summing it up now to two years since the DREAM Act was defeated in the Senate. I remember that day vividly, I was nothing short of a troll in the DREAM Act Portal forums who just counted the votes and crossed my fingers for the votes to add up as I watched the Senate take action from the computer screen at my job. To my disappointment, I went home frowning on that day. Uncertain of my future and what would happen to my schooling, as at the time I still uncertain about my options, what I could or could not do.

Looking back at those times now, it makes me laugh in a certain way. I have come such a long way from the insecure, paranoid, and scared kid who had to create double identities everywhere in order of not being ‘recognized’ by the opposition, to a full time collaborator of this site and movement; it makes me proud being a member of the DREAMActivist team.

So where am I now?

Well, I am all over the place.
While that is not a concrete answer I have come to sit back a little and analyze how far I have come in a year and half, when I became part of this team. I was able to get my Associates and graduate with honors, graduate from Community College ahead of my High School class, enroll in the University of my choice with scholarships and all, get involved in my community and be able to take action in several projects that are happening around it, and familiarize myself with school organizations that have helped me assimilate as much as possible in such a short amount of time.

Often people look upon these things and often praise me on how much work I have been able to handle, and what my accomplishments have been along the way. “OMG, that is so great!”, “WOW! You’re on your way to do big things” Yet, I feel as if all those ‘accomplishments’ mentioned above hold little to no weight, call it modesty if you so wish; but, the fact of the matter is that when compared to those around me I feel like a complete outcast, unable to tell my whole tale to them. Yet, this has come to change a little bit in the last couple of days.

I don’t intend this to post to be a sob story, as those have been published across the net already in various places. However, I do want to make a point of what I experienced during my Thanksgiving dinner that drove me to actually write a personal blog this time around.

I was asked to give a couple of words during my Thanksgiving dinner, unprepared and being apart from my family for the last four months played a big factor in my statement. I stood up and recited in spanish the importance of being united, of holding those close to you closer than ever, because without them there would be no celebration, no dinner, and specially no sentiment of belonging. It is true that I had been away for months, yet, upon arrival it felt as I have never left. My family, friends, guests, and same problems were still there looking at me as I had been away on a magical excursion fighting dragons and rescuing princesses, when in reality all I have done to this point is what I am supposed to be doing: going to school.

As I sunk back into my chair, all choked up, I couldn’t help but realize the weight of what I just said. The same things I uttered did not only apply to my family, but also to my activism for the DREAM Act.

Because of my status I have been able to take part in so many different campaigns and initiatives, been able to meet amazing people across the whole country, cement friendships that will probably last me a lifetime wether they reside in my state next to me or not, gone on to meet Senator Durbin and be able to lobby for the DREAM Act on behalf of all DREAMies on Capitol Hill, speak to the media, conduct trainings. I owe so much to those who have supported me, helped me, encouraged me, taught me, and been there for me in all my ups and downs. To me you are all part of my big DREAM Act family, my friends, and my driving force to continue to move on forward.

I guess what I am trying to say is that being a Dream Act student has taught me to be grateful for what I have, who I have encountered, and what I have learned. While it is true that my situation does “suck”, it has molded me to be the person that I am today. Strong, dedicated, active.

I guess would make more sense you you, the reader, have ever experienced the smile of somebody who has devoted countless hours into advising you and has invested so much into you, the proud sentiment in their eyes speaks for itself (@anjamd). Or if you have ever met people over the internet (@raylab) who work so tirelessly for a cause that would benefit so many, and reassures you that they will work on your behalf and those who cant speak for themselves regardless of the outcome. Even having the pleasure of having a lovely family on the other side of the country, which has already welcomed me into their home if I ever decide to embark on a cross-country trip.

The point is that, right now at this precise moment, undocumented or not, I am somewhat content with what I have achieved and how far I have come. I am proud of call myself a part of this team, and I am proud of what we have done here, little by little on behalf of everyone.

I am part of this team not for my own gain and benefit, but because I have the aim to help others in my circumstances. We all work hard, around the clock, and around our daily duties to make all of this content available to you all because we care. I am proud to be able to write on here, and thankful for those who have housed me as and taught me everything I know today.

Maybe the DREAM Act did not pass in 2009, and maybe it won’t in whatever is left of it. But 2010, get ready, because here we come with full force.

Thank you to all who encourage me to keep going, I promise never to let you down.