Martin Luther King has alway been a hero of mine, whom I adopted early on as I learned more about American History.

He has served as an inspiration to the work that I conduct on a daily basis, his hopes for a better future for a nation continue to move me and push me to accomplish all that i have set out to do.

In honor of Dr. King, his great quest to achieve the Dream, and to bring communities together while building alliances, I will share a speech that I hoped to give once I finished my Associates Degree and moved on to the University of my dreams.

Dr. Martin Luther King once said:

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

He like many of my now defunct heroes, had a vision.

A vision of equality, freedom, and opportunity for all.

A vision in which hard work was to be recognized and praised, where those who had big dreams could accomplish them regardless of the obstacles presented to them.

To some extent Dr. King’s vision is remains alive today. His journey proved to America that hard-work, coupled with determination, and education could overcome any barrier, and moreover discredit any nay-sayer.

Today is a symbolic day for me.

As I take off to continue pursuing my education, I embark on my own journey to find my place within Dr. King’s vision, and maybe even bring it a little closer to a full reality.

As many of you know I am one of the thousands of beneficiaries of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act; or DREAM Act for short, a piece of legislation that would allow exemplary students like myself attain a legal status within this country by means of a higher education or military service.

Let us remember that my lack of status is not due to a personal choice, or a punishment brought upon to me by my parents. I, like many others am a victim of the failed and broken immigration system of this country, and while my status does limit my capabilities to attain to certain documents, or benefits which I have earned along the way; my hopes and strengths remain up-high to fight for equality for those who find themselves in similar positions as mine.

As I look back from this current point in time, and see some of my accomplishments ranging far and wide, I cannot help to feel but an immense sense of success. From stellar High School graduate, to immigrant rights activist….

All very important milestones in my life which have shaped my character, and person to be who I am today. All of which has been done and planned yo make you (my audience) proud of me.

You, who stood by me, supported me, and encouraged me as I took on the heavy course-loads, and endured the long working hours to get me to where I am today.

Some more than others, but all of this positive energy has summed up to be a tremendous help that has accompanied me in this short-lived journey. So to you, friends new and old, family close or distant, I owe you my gratitude for helping me get to where I stand as of right now. It is with your help that I am able to deliver this speech, because without all of you by my side none of this would be possible.