Dreamie of the Week: Julieta – University Leadership Initiative
We’ll let Julieta speak for herself. Below is her speech from the recently concluded Reform Immigration for America conference:
I am Julieta; part of the United We DREAM Coalition. We represent the thousands of individuals who have been brought to this country as minors and although they did not have the privilege of being born in the United States, they love this country and call it home. United We DREAM is a youth-led coalition where some of the members are personally affected by the DREAM Act and others are passionate family members, friends,and teachers who have taken upon themselves to become part of the solution; to fight for a better future for these students.
I was born in Mexico City and migrated to the United States
when I was 11 years old. My divorced mother, sister and I struggle to make the best of living in an unknown country. My only recollection of my father was the physical and mental abuse he put my mother through.
Although we did not know the language, culture or the American way of leaving, we fought our way through. Years later, I graduated from high school with honors and even received recruitment letters from Yale University. Although I wanted to pursue my education, at the time undocumented immigrants were not allowed to attend universities or colleges in Texas.
It wasn’t until 3 years later that I was finally eligible to attend Dallas County Community College, where I earned my Associate Degree in Nursing. By January 2004 I earned my License as a registered nurse in Texas. In 2005, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. In May 2008, I obtained a Master’s degree of Science Public Health Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the International
Honor Society of Nursing. Although my family and I struggled a lot during my college years, I can proudly stand before you and tell you that I am one of the first ones in my family with a master’s degree.However, regardless of my credentials, my desire to fully contribute to my community, and the shortage of bilingual nurses, the government has not granted me the opportunity to maximize my potential. Today, my diplomas are only pretty frames on the wall and nothing else. Although at times I have felt tired, hopeless, fearful of deportation everyday of my life I pray with all my heart that some day I will have the chance to practice my profession,to stop living in fear of deportation, and to live the American DREAM.
Like each of you, United We DREAM is strongly committed to fight for justice on behalf of the immigrants in our communities. Like me there are many other teachers, doctors, engineers whose hopes and dreams are on stand still. I hope that our stories continue to ignite your commitment to fight for those who don’t have a voice.
Lastly, I ask you to think about this – The DREAM Act would provide the opportunity to this country to take an important first step towards Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Regardless if you are a student fighting for your dreams, or fighting to keep your family together or a farm worker, today is our day to unite and make history.
Julieta
We have videos courtesy Citizen Orange, whenever he gets a break to upload them.
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Julieta,
I'm dissapointed in you at the Texas LULAC State Convention =(
Dear YA from Texas LULAC,
I urge you to re-consider the forum in which you have left your unexplained message. To be divisive and disrespectful to this website that is about the DREAM ACT and NOT about anything to do with LULAC is certainly not appreciated by this immigrant youth collective. I hope you put your priorities in place and work with all of us to change the lives of thousands of students. LULAC Young Adults are great and I hope that we can put whatever personal feelings aside and work towards furthering this movement. We need to get to work and not waste time.
Sincerely,
Your fellow Young Adult
I'm VERY proud of you Julieta. You have shown exceptional leadership and give a good name to Texas. I thank you for your commitment and we stand with you throughout the state. Keep up the great work and know that you are moving us forward.
Julieta, you are a true inspiration for all DREAM Act students. I thank you for the hard work you have invested in this effort and the optimism you've always had even in the toughest times. Your leadership and maturity has encouraged others to speak up and fight for what's theirs. It's been an honor to know such a charismatic and spirited activist such as yourself. Great work!
I had the honor meeting Julieta earlier this year and I think she exemplifies every bit what the DREAM Act stands for. Thank you for fighting for justice. You are an amazing woman and an example to us all. Kudos on your strength and perseverance.
DREAM Act article http://myusearchblog.com/for-some-education-and-e...
Julieta, I read your story and felt like I was reading my diary. I had the opportunity of hearing about this Act just today from my immigration lawyer and I knew this was another one of God's blessings. Up until this point I really felt alone with this. I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Houston Baptist University May, 2008 and like you I can only look at my Diploma as it sits in it's pretty frame. There were so many students from my graduating class that were hired even before we graduated. I was so happy for them because I knew what we went through to make it to the end, but at the same time I was saddened because I wouldn't get that opportunity. After reading your story and finding out about this Act, my optimism has been boosted and I want to thank you for your inspiration.
Hi Dede,
I am applying to Houston Baptist University for the BSN program. I read that you graduated with your BSN from HBU and I wanted to ask you for some help. If you read this please email me at annamaldonado23@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Thank you for all your comments. Each of them is an inspiration to keep fighting and bettering myself as an individual and as a fighter for the DREAM. Lets keep up our good work in Texas as its obvious that we have a long way to go!
A dear person to me told me "if the best things in life were so easy to achieve, then everyone would do them… its only those who are committed and are willing to fight who make it to the top". I know that someday our diplomas will be more than frames … NEVER GIVE UP IN YOUR DREAMS.
Julieta,
Is there any way I could contact you? I am an AB540 student who just earned a bachelors in Biology and wants to pursue Nursing but need help filling applications. I currently reside in California and not sure if the laws are the same or different that Texas.
I am so glad females like you are still out there and who can give hope to students like me
~Jessica
qtliljme@aol.com
Hey Jessi, you can contact ULI at ourdream2005@gmail.com
Julieta,
Thank you for your impeccable judge of character,passion and optimism. You are a wonderful role model to our youth all over the country. I feel honor to work with you and ULI in the passage of the DREAM ACT. I have watch you become an exceptional leader and I am very proud of you. Thank you for always helping others. Texas is lucky to have you…we need more young adults like you.