Click on each image below to learn more about each student …
Roseurys Almonte
Country of origin: The Dominican Republic
High School: Woonsocket HS
Attending: San Diego State University
Major: Business Management
“I was born in the tropical island of Dominican Republic. Living there is a memory I have yet to recover, as I was brought into the United States at the young age of three.
I was raised in the suburbs of Massachusetts, yet my life was nowhere near glamorous. My family and I struggled immensely due to the fact that we were undocumented immigrants. I remember my parents constantly telling me not to reveal this “big secret,” not knowing exactly why. They worked in the lowest of jobs trying to make my childhood a little less traumatic. Like many other parents, mine sought to make their children's lives better by moving to the ‘land of opportunity, also known as America.
That “big secret” I burdened myself with as a child weighed me down and infected my every thought. I became a slave to this secret, to my shameful “identity,” feeling condemned by those I thought were superior to me.
My experience growing up, though challenging, has opened my eyes to the large number of those around me walking silently in their condemned identities, seeing themselves as nothing but a hidden risk of deportation, being shunned by opportunity.
In the future, I hope to help influence those that have been rejected by society by revealing to them that cultural differences aren’t flaws, rather they’re privileges only some are brave enough to embrace.”
High School: Woonsocket HS
Attending: San Diego State University
Major: Business Management
“I was born in the tropical island of Dominican Republic. Living there is a memory I have yet to recover, as I was brought into the United States at the young age of three.
I was raised in the suburbs of Massachusetts, yet my life was nowhere near glamorous. My family and I struggled immensely due to the fact that we were undocumented immigrants. I remember my parents constantly telling me not to reveal this “big secret,” not knowing exactly why. They worked in the lowest of jobs trying to make my childhood a little less traumatic. Like many other parents, mine sought to make their children's lives better by moving to the ‘land of opportunity, also known as America.
That “big secret” I burdened myself with as a child weighed me down and infected my every thought. I became a slave to this secret, to my shameful “identity,” feeling condemned by those I thought were superior to me.
My experience growing up, though challenging, has opened my eyes to the large number of those around me walking silently in their condemned identities, seeing themselves as nothing but a hidden risk of deportation, being shunned by opportunity.
In the future, I hope to help influence those that have been rejected by society by revealing to them that cultural differences aren’t flaws, rather they’re privileges only some are brave enough to embrace.”
José Archila
Country of origin: Guatemala
High School: Classical HS
Attending: Community College of Rhode Island
Major: Education | Teaching
“The United States was founded on the principles of freedom and individualism. As an undocumented individual in this country, I lack these very same rights of freedom and independence. My rights and freedom are restricted due to my legal status. As both a first generation and an undocumented student, I have come across immense hurdles that I have had to overcome in order to create a better future for myself. Hurdles that without a single shred of doubt, I will overcome, including attaining a college education. I cannot allow my status in this country to impede my drive for a higher education. College attendance is not only a dream for myself, but also for my parents.
DACA has changed my life immensely in that I went from having no freedom in life to being able to enjoy my life. Prior to receiving my DACA status I lived in perpetual fear of deportation [and I carried I always had a] feeling of not belonging. Now, It is the reason I am able to do what the average high school student takes for granted. I can not drive a car legally with a license, and I am able to work after school.
A college education is limitless in its potential to allow for true freedom and independence. Attending college will better prepare me with the tools and skills to freely navigate various academic fields.
I am interested in teaching elementary children. I enjoy being able to educate and mold young minds. As an educator, I can serve as role model for children, especially other underrepresented and marginalized children in U.S. society.
I also feel I will be giving back to my community through the education of young people.
My ability to follow my dreams rests on attaining a college degree. College will be a new experience not only for me, but also for my family. An experience we welcome, and one that will allow me to explore as far as possible, new sights, sounds, and people. These are the experiences I know will shape my life for the better.”
High School: Classical HS
Attending: Community College of Rhode Island
Major: Education | Teaching
“The United States was founded on the principles of freedom and individualism. As an undocumented individual in this country, I lack these very same rights of freedom and independence. My rights and freedom are restricted due to my legal status. As both a first generation and an undocumented student, I have come across immense hurdles that I have had to overcome in order to create a better future for myself. Hurdles that without a single shred of doubt, I will overcome, including attaining a college education. I cannot allow my status in this country to impede my drive for a higher education. College attendance is not only a dream for myself, but also for my parents.
DACA has changed my life immensely in that I went from having no freedom in life to being able to enjoy my life. Prior to receiving my DACA status I lived in perpetual fear of deportation [and I carried I always had a] feeling of not belonging. Now, It is the reason I am able to do what the average high school student takes for granted. I can not drive a car legally with a license, and I am able to work after school.
A college education is limitless in its potential to allow for true freedom and independence. Attending college will better prepare me with the tools and skills to freely navigate various academic fields.
I am interested in teaching elementary children. I enjoy being able to educate and mold young minds. As an educator, I can serve as role model for children, especially other underrepresented and marginalized children in U.S. society.
I also feel I will be giving back to my community through the education of young people.
My ability to follow my dreams rests on attaining a college degree. College will be a new experience not only for me, but also for my family. An experience we welcome, and one that will allow me to explore as far as possible, new sights, sounds, and people. These are the experiences I know will shape my life for the better.”
Juán M. Cano Trujillo
Country of origin: Colombia
High School: Central Falls HS
Attending: CCRI
“Coming as a Senior student at Central Falls High school was a challenge that I was able to overcome. But the next question was “ What am I going to do after high school”? My dream is to become a commercial pilot, but how am I supposed to get there without legal documentation?
Because I go after my dreams, I decided that I would start at CCRI. I will not surrender. On the contrary, immigrants must demonstrate that all our dreams can be fulfilled as long as there is a way. I do not need a legal document to achieve my dreams. Being undocumented does not label me as someone who is bad. I am an American even if I don’t have a paper to prove this.
Our president Mr. Donald Trump Jr. calls us delinquents and that we only come to this country to create violence. I am not a delinquent. Like many people from different countries I left Colombia because of crime that was endangering my family. The decision to come to
United States was not an easy one for my family because my sister did not come with us. Having my sister live in a different country from our family is difficult for us all. What Donald Trump does not see is the dream of millions of people like me who come to United States of America to make it great. It is not ‘make America great again,’ it already is great.
I go to work to help my family. I don’t feel like I am taking anyone’s job. I want to help my family just like anyone else. I also go to school to fulfill big dreams like everyone else. I want to learn and give back to people. I want to be someone that kids look up to.
My intention in the United States is to educate myself and seek a better quality of life for myself and my family. It was difficult at first, but leaving Colombia has also been the best decision my family and I have made.
I know that I am an undocumented immigrant, and I know that many people think I do not belong here. But I also know that there are many people who support me, my family and my dreams.
I hope to use this scholarship towards a credited class at CCRI so I can begin fulfilling my dream to become a commercial pilot.”
High School: Central Falls HS
Attending: CCRI
“Coming as a Senior student at Central Falls High school was a challenge that I was able to overcome. But the next question was “ What am I going to do after high school”? My dream is to become a commercial pilot, but how am I supposed to get there without legal documentation?
Because I go after my dreams, I decided that I would start at CCRI. I will not surrender. On the contrary, immigrants must demonstrate that all our dreams can be fulfilled as long as there is a way. I do not need a legal document to achieve my dreams. Being undocumented does not label me as someone who is bad. I am an American even if I don’t have a paper to prove this.
Our president Mr. Donald Trump Jr. calls us delinquents and that we only come to this country to create violence. I am not a delinquent. Like many people from different countries I left Colombia because of crime that was endangering my family. The decision to come to
United States was not an easy one for my family because my sister did not come with us. Having my sister live in a different country from our family is difficult for us all. What Donald Trump does not see is the dream of millions of people like me who come to United States of America to make it great. It is not ‘make America great again,’ it already is great.
I go to work to help my family. I don’t feel like I am taking anyone’s job. I want to help my family just like anyone else. I also go to school to fulfill big dreams like everyone else. I want to learn and give back to people. I want to be someone that kids look up to.
My intention in the United States is to educate myself and seek a better quality of life for myself and my family. It was difficult at first, but leaving Colombia has also been the best decision my family and I have made.
I know that I am an undocumented immigrant, and I know that many people think I do not belong here. But I also know that there are many people who support me, my family and my dreams.
I hope to use this scholarship towards a credited class at CCRI so I can begin fulfilling my dream to become a commercial pilot.”
Stelly Da Moura
Country of origin: Cape Verde
High School: Central Falls HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Health Science
“I was born in Cape Verde and I speak Portuguese and Creole. Cape Verde is a country that consists of ten islands off the west coast of Africa. I’m originally from the island of São Vicente. My life in Cape Verde was very much different than my life in Rhode Island.
My mom is a single parent. Coming to United States was not that easy for us. She struggled a great deal — she was alone and she worked long hours to provide for us. She would never let me focus on the struggle. The only thing she wanted was for me to be happy and focus on my school.
My mom always tells me this phrase: ‘The only thing I have to give you, my child, is your education, nothing else.’ That's why I appreciate and value everything my mom does for me, because one day I want to make her proud.
I am thankful for the United States for giving me an opportunity to study and become someone in life. Thus, I always push myself to do
better in classes and I set high expectations for the future.
College will not only make me more independent, it will also challenge and inspire me to accomplish my goals. With what I learn through my education, I want to empower the next generation of youth.”
High School: Central Falls HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Health Science
“I was born in Cape Verde and I speak Portuguese and Creole. Cape Verde is a country that consists of ten islands off the west coast of Africa. I’m originally from the island of São Vicente. My life in Cape Verde was very much different than my life in Rhode Island.
My mom is a single parent. Coming to United States was not that easy for us. She struggled a great deal — she was alone and she worked long hours to provide for us. She would never let me focus on the struggle. The only thing she wanted was for me to be happy and focus on my school.
My mom always tells me this phrase: ‘The only thing I have to give you, my child, is your education, nothing else.’ That's why I appreciate and value everything my mom does for me, because one day I want to make her proud.
I am thankful for the United States for giving me an opportunity to study and become someone in life. Thus, I always push myself to do
better in classes and I set high expectations for the future.
College will not only make me more independent, it will also challenge and inspire me to accomplish my goals. With what I learn through my education, I want to empower the next generation of youth.”
Micaela Furtado
Country of origin: Portugal
High School: Charles E. Shea HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Art
“People often spend a lifetime looking for more, when they could have spent a lifetime enjoying what life has offered.
This phrase pretty much sums up my life journey. I was privileged enough to get the chance to immigrate and go on the pursuit of a better life. Being an
undocumented student has made me stronger and pushed me forward to always wanting to aim
high.
Since the last [2016] presidential election, many people like me fear for their future and worry every day because we feel our chances of being deported are high. In this time of worry, all I can do is not give up, believe in myself, and stay positive. In college I want to pursue Italian studies
and Art studio as I plan on living in Italy someday.
Art has been part of my life since very young age. While in high school, I developed many techniques and learned to explore Art through different mediums. My interest for Art led me towards getting accepted to an Art program for teenagers at the Rhode Island School of Design. In this program I was able to work with amazing teachers and instructors on many workshops
including Fashion, Woods and Jewelry making. Because of my interest for wanting to do many things, I do not focus myself on one thing only, but instead I like to play around and try new things.
As I developed many artistic skills, I began to set a goal for after high school. I knew I wanted to attend a college, succeed and get a degree, but I also knew that undocumented students do not benefit from the same things as documented students do. However, this obstacle did not stop me from looking for help and seeking the resources I needed.
Anywhere I go, I believe I will make a difference and succeed. Being undocumented has only pushed me forward towards wanting to reach success and it has made me stronger as well. My dream is to be able to help others some day as I received help to get to where I am today
High School: Charles E. Shea HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Art
“People often spend a lifetime looking for more, when they could have spent a lifetime enjoying what life has offered.
This phrase pretty much sums up my life journey. I was privileged enough to get the chance to immigrate and go on the pursuit of a better life. Being an
undocumented student has made me stronger and pushed me forward to always wanting to aim
high.
Since the last [2016] presidential election, many people like me fear for their future and worry every day because we feel our chances of being deported are high. In this time of worry, all I can do is not give up, believe in myself, and stay positive. In college I want to pursue Italian studies
and Art studio as I plan on living in Italy someday.
Art has been part of my life since very young age. While in high school, I developed many techniques and learned to explore Art through different mediums. My interest for Art led me towards getting accepted to an Art program for teenagers at the Rhode Island School of Design. In this program I was able to work with amazing teachers and instructors on many workshops
including Fashion, Woods and Jewelry making. Because of my interest for wanting to do many things, I do not focus myself on one thing only, but instead I like to play around and try new things.
As I developed many artistic skills, I began to set a goal for after high school. I knew I wanted to attend a college, succeed and get a degree, but I also knew that undocumented students do not benefit from the same things as documented students do. However, this obstacle did not stop me from looking for help and seeking the resources I needed.
Anywhere I go, I believe I will make a difference and succeed. Being undocumented has only pushed me forward towards wanting to reach success and it has made me stronger as well. My dream is to be able to help others some day as I received help to get to where I am today
Deymi “Lupita” Hernández
Country of origin: Guatemala
High School: Central Falls High HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Education | Teaching
As an immigrant, I know that we have so many issues, but we are willing to work it out and find some solutions. We came here for a better life and I really appreciated that my parents had brought me here for a better future.
When I was 15 years old, I had the chance to apply to this wonderful opportunity that is called DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA allowed me to get a work permit and to my driver’s license. I feel honored that I have that, because so many other undocumented immigrants are not able to get DACA.
My first job ever was as a babysitter at Progreso Latino. That's how I found out my passion for kids. I started to realize that I wanted to become a teacher and feel the love of the kids every time I see them. The kids are great and I love teaching them. That's why I been looking so hard to find a solution and become a teacher, no matter what obstacles may stand in my way.
High School: Central Falls High HS
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Education | Teaching
As an immigrant, I know that we have so many issues, but we are willing to work it out and find some solutions. We came here for a better life and I really appreciated that my parents had brought me here for a better future.
When I was 15 years old, I had the chance to apply to this wonderful opportunity that is called DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA allowed me to get a work permit and to my driver’s license. I feel honored that I have that, because so many other undocumented immigrants are not able to get DACA.
My first job ever was as a babysitter at Progreso Latino. That's how I found out my passion for kids. I started to realize that I wanted to become a teacher and feel the love of the kids every time I see them. The kids are great and I love teaching them. That's why I been looking so hard to find a solution and become a teacher, no matter what obstacles may stand in my way.
Javier Juárez
Country of origin: Perú
High School: Cranston High School East
Graduated: Rhode Island College, Class of 2017
Attending: Brown University, MA American Studies Program
In 2016, Javier applied for and received the Tam Tran Scholarship to finish his studies at Rhode Island College. He wrote:
“I am making the decision to finish my B.A in History at Rhode Island College and continue on to Law school. Today, I am finally ready to finish what my parents and I came to this country for: opportunity.”
In 2017, he re-applied and received the scholarship as he pursued to further his education. He wrote:
“I want to pursue law school because I firmly believe I can make a positive change in the country. While I could never be President of the United States, I know that there are no citizenship requirements in our Constitution to be a Supreme Court justice. Perhaps that is an ambitious dream, but that is my goal and I know to get there, I must start with a law degree. I took the LSATs this past semester, and am awaiting acceptance into Roger Williams University.
My life experiences have molded me into a unique individual who has been shaped by life’s realities. I am now ready to give back to the world.
The Tram Tran scholarship has given me more than financial relief, it has given me a support network that has been invaluable in my law school admission process. I thank everyone involved with the Tam Tran Scholarship as they have become the motivation I needed to keep moving forward. They will be the people who I will never forget in my life, and I am proud to call them my mentors.”
High School: Cranston High School East
Graduated: Rhode Island College, Class of 2017
Attending: Brown University, MA American Studies Program
In 2016, Javier applied for and received the Tam Tran Scholarship to finish his studies at Rhode Island College. He wrote:
“I am making the decision to finish my B.A in History at Rhode Island College and continue on to Law school. Today, I am finally ready to finish what my parents and I came to this country for: opportunity.”
In 2017, he re-applied and received the scholarship as he pursued to further his education. He wrote:
“I want to pursue law school because I firmly believe I can make a positive change in the country. While I could never be President of the United States, I know that there are no citizenship requirements in our Constitution to be a Supreme Court justice. Perhaps that is an ambitious dream, but that is my goal and I know to get there, I must start with a law degree. I took the LSATs this past semester, and am awaiting acceptance into Roger Williams University.
My life experiences have molded me into a unique individual who has been shaped by life’s realities. I am now ready to give back to the world.
The Tram Tran scholarship has given me more than financial relief, it has given me a support network that has been invaluable in my law school admission process. I thank everyone involved with the Tam Tran Scholarship as they have become the motivation I needed to keep moving forward. They will be the people who I will never forget in my life, and I am proud to call them my mentors.”
Luis Mendoza
Country of origin: Venezuela
High School: Cranston High School, West
Attending: Community College of Rhode Island
Field of Study: Nursing
“College is one of the biggest steps that many have taken to accomplish their dreams and aspirations. Some of these people have been undocumented immigrants who have worked hard to get a college degree, so they can live their dreams. I plan to be a part of this group and be able to fulfill my dreams. Some of these dreams include expanding my spiritual aspects of my life and helping other people through my major in the healthcare field. As an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, I feel that college will present the opportunity for me to not only help myself, but more importantly, help my family as well.
Thanks to DACA, my goals and dreams are made possible, which gives me an even greater motivation to continue being successful. My DACA status grants me the opportunity to work legally in the United States. Currently I am teaching robotics at three elementary schools and, thanks to DACA, the dream I had of going to college and helping out my family and other people is now becoming clearer.
As I reflect on these events, I realize one of my greatest motivations to attend college is to help my family. My parents risked so much coming to this country and since I have been given the opportunity to go to a school and receive higher education, I should not forsake this. I aspire to use this opportunity to study nursing. I am excited about this career because I get to fulfill my desires of helping people who are in need, to make the world a better place.”
High School: Cranston High School, West
Attending: Community College of Rhode Island
Field of Study: Nursing
“College is one of the biggest steps that many have taken to accomplish their dreams and aspirations. Some of these people have been undocumented immigrants who have worked hard to get a college degree, so they can live their dreams. I plan to be a part of this group and be able to fulfill my dreams. Some of these dreams include expanding my spiritual aspects of my life and helping other people through my major in the healthcare field. As an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, I feel that college will present the opportunity for me to not only help myself, but more importantly, help my family as well.
Thanks to DACA, my goals and dreams are made possible, which gives me an even greater motivation to continue being successful. My DACA status grants me the opportunity to work legally in the United States. Currently I am teaching robotics at three elementary schools and, thanks to DACA, the dream I had of going to college and helping out my family and other people is now becoming clearer.
As I reflect on these events, I realize one of my greatest motivations to attend college is to help my family. My parents risked so much coming to this country and since I have been given the opportunity to go to a school and receive higher education, I should not forsake this. I aspire to use this opportunity to study nursing. I am excited about this career because I get to fulfill my desires of helping people who are in need, to make the world a better place.”
Roxana Mercado
Country of origin: Bolivia
High School: Central High School
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Social Work and Mental Health
I took a year off from school after I graduated from high school. During that time, I have learned that awareness is crucial. The education we welcome into our lives empowers us. Due to the knowledge we gain, we can strengthen our communities.
This is my cause. I am determined to get back to school and empower myself enough to push forward on the social change I, and many others, wish for.
A Bachelor's in Social Work with a minor in psychology specific to mental health with undocumented students is my dream. I want to encourage and revive all those students who lack a support system and are choosing to give up. Applying to college is a leap of faith. My inability to be federally funded is decreasing my chances of affording my education more every year, but that will be my sacrifice.
I want to encourage the importance of an education, and the belief that being a little more human every day makes the difference. I want to wake up with the purpose of leading others to humanity.
My gap year has taught me lessons I will never forget and due to those experiences I serve my community the way I am now. I have learned about financial coaching and work for underserved communities that need guidance and knowledge to break out of poverty. I learned that the Arts can bring solitary Latino cultures together in any shape or form, reminding us to take pride of where we came from. And an immigration conference, where great minds came together to fight for equity and equal opportunities, inspired me. These places have been my sanity and it is because of them that I will always believe in the power of people.
Overall, being vulnerable is not being weak. I am one of the many who are redefining the meaning of being undocumented. I want to destroy the underestimation that is consistently being dropped upon the generation of color. My self-recovery will never end but I am confident that with time I will prove to the immigrant and nonimmigrant communities that our weakness is indeed our strength. All I ever wanted was to feel human and after two long years of getting to know myself, I am certain of what I believe in: Me. And Humanity.”
High School: Central High School
Attending: Rhode Island College
Field of Study: Social Work and Mental Health
I took a year off from school after I graduated from high school. During that time, I have learned that awareness is crucial. The education we welcome into our lives empowers us. Due to the knowledge we gain, we can strengthen our communities.
This is my cause. I am determined to get back to school and empower myself enough to push forward on the social change I, and many others, wish for.
A Bachelor's in Social Work with a minor in psychology specific to mental health with undocumented students is my dream. I want to encourage and revive all those students who lack a support system and are choosing to give up. Applying to college is a leap of faith. My inability to be federally funded is decreasing my chances of affording my education more every year, but that will be my sacrifice.
I want to encourage the importance of an education, and the belief that being a little more human every day makes the difference. I want to wake up with the purpose of leading others to humanity.
My gap year has taught me lessons I will never forget and due to those experiences I serve my community the way I am now. I have learned about financial coaching and work for underserved communities that need guidance and knowledge to break out of poverty. I learned that the Arts can bring solitary Latino cultures together in any shape or form, reminding us to take pride of where we came from. And an immigration conference, where great minds came together to fight for equity and equal opportunities, inspired me. These places have been my sanity and it is because of them that I will always believe in the power of people.
Overall, being vulnerable is not being weak. I am one of the many who are redefining the meaning of being undocumented. I want to destroy the underestimation that is consistently being dropped upon the generation of color. My self-recovery will never end but I am confident that with time I will prove to the immigrant and nonimmigrant communities that our weakness is indeed our strength. All I ever wanted was to feel human and after two long years of getting to know myself, I am certain of what I believe in: Me. And Humanity.”
Dania Polanco
Country of origin: Dominican Republic
High School: Jorge Alvarez HighSchool
Attending: Providence College
Field of Study: Physcology
I came to America at the age of six from the Dominican Republic for the same purpose most immigrants do, for better opportunities, including education and to maintain a better lifestyle.
Today, I have too many goals to accomplish to become hopeless of my future due to my immigration status. I aspire to get my Masters in Psychology. All my dreams will start in college where I will be able to expand and explore my interest in writing, and where I will have opportunity to do what I am most passionate about, helping others. I want to one day be able to share my story of the hardship that I,, as an undocumented student, plus others in situation endure. I try to remain positive, holding on to hope that colleges or the federal government one day will realize that we deserve the same opportunities other U.S citizens receive regarding attending college and receiving aid to make it possible.
I want to inspire others to never take education for granted, because even in America there are millions of undocumented students who are not able to take the first step in making their American dream, of maintaining the highest level of education, become their own reality.”
High School: Jorge Alvarez HighSchool
Attending: Providence College
Field of Study: Physcology
I came to America at the age of six from the Dominican Republic for the same purpose most immigrants do, for better opportunities, including education and to maintain a better lifestyle.
Today, I have too many goals to accomplish to become hopeless of my future due to my immigration status. I aspire to get my Masters in Psychology. All my dreams will start in college where I will be able to expand and explore my interest in writing, and where I will have opportunity to do what I am most passionate about, helping others. I want to one day be able to share my story of the hardship that I,, as an undocumented student, plus others in situation endure. I try to remain positive, holding on to hope that colleges or the federal government one day will realize that we deserve the same opportunities other U.S citizens receive regarding attending college and receiving aid to make it possible.
I want to inspire others to never take education for granted, because even in America there are millions of undocumented students who are not able to take the first step in making their American dream, of maintaining the highest level of education, become their own reality.”
Glorianny Sánchez De Jesús
Country of origin: Dominican Republic
High School: Jorge Alvarez High School
Attending: Providence College
Field of Study: Biology
“Flying through the sweet and fresh airs of my dreams, the fading of a fuzzy image made me stop. I approached and it was a photo of my family and me over the shadows of radiant buildings that tickled the blue heavens above us. As I contemplated the picture, a noise coming from the distant distracted me. It was the cozy voice of my mother waking me up. As she said it was time to fulfill ‘Nuestro Sueño Americano’ — our American Dream.
On the casual and sugary Caribbean summer afternoon of July 16th, 2015, my little innocent sister, my beloved and tender mother, and I took our flight from the Dominican Republic [to the United States].
When I arrived in Providence and enrolled in school, I would not talk to anyone at all, and most of the time, I would think that because I was an English Learner and an undocumented student, my voice would not be heard and that I would not be able to attend to college. However, at the beginning of 2016, I became part of a leadership program for young immigrants, and in the summer, I attended the Promise Program at Providence College.
Those experiences, and the help of my counselors, gave me confidence and the hope of attending college, no matter my immigration status. That hope is reflected in the way I started focusing on my studies again, because I saw that, excelling in school was going to serve me as a ladder to reach my dreams of going to college, being successful in life, making my family proud and the opportunity to go back to my country and tell my grandmother ‘I did it, Abuelita.’
Quickly, I was removed from all my ESL classes and transitioned to regular and Advanced Placement classes in my senior year.
I aspire to be a doctor, specifically a trauma surgeon. I feel passionate about helping children with physical deformities and tumors, whose parents cannot afford surgeries. I would like to do that by joining a group that provides financial aid and performs medical operations to needy people around the world. I picture myself working at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and traveling the world as part of Doctors Without Borders.”
High School: Jorge Alvarez High School
Attending: Providence College
Field of Study: Biology
“Flying through the sweet and fresh airs of my dreams, the fading of a fuzzy image made me stop. I approached and it was a photo of my family and me over the shadows of radiant buildings that tickled the blue heavens above us. As I contemplated the picture, a noise coming from the distant distracted me. It was the cozy voice of my mother waking me up. As she said it was time to fulfill ‘Nuestro Sueño Americano’ — our American Dream.
On the casual and sugary Caribbean summer afternoon of July 16th, 2015, my little innocent sister, my beloved and tender mother, and I took our flight from the Dominican Republic [to the United States].
When I arrived in Providence and enrolled in school, I would not talk to anyone at all, and most of the time, I would think that because I was an English Learner and an undocumented student, my voice would not be heard and that I would not be able to attend to college. However, at the beginning of 2016, I became part of a leadership program for young immigrants, and in the summer, I attended the Promise Program at Providence College.
Those experiences, and the help of my counselors, gave me confidence and the hope of attending college, no matter my immigration status. That hope is reflected in the way I started focusing on my studies again, because I saw that, excelling in school was going to serve me as a ladder to reach my dreams of going to college, being successful in life, making my family proud and the opportunity to go back to my country and tell my grandmother ‘I did it, Abuelita.’
Quickly, I was removed from all my ESL classes and transitioned to regular and Advanced Placement classes in my senior year.
I aspire to be a doctor, specifically a trauma surgeon. I feel passionate about helping children with physical deformities and tumors, whose parents cannot afford surgeries. I would like to do that by joining a group that provides financial aid and performs medical operations to needy people around the world. I picture myself working at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and traveling the world as part of Doctors Without Borders.”
Ismail Ber Yilmaz
Country of origin: Turkey
High School: Hope High School
When I came to the United States, I was excited to start my new life until the norms of society became a barrier to my education. On the first day of school, I was placed in an ESL class. This was disappointing because I had dedicated all my academic years to succeed in the highest-level courses, which included English language courses back in Turkey.
As an immigrant, my life was framed by other people’s rules. I was frustrated because there were English classes that would be more valuable to me.
After seven days of excelling in the ESL, the teacher suggested I be placed in a higher-level English class. A year later, I was placed in AP English.
My experience of being placed and displaced exposed the American education system’s shallow understanding of immigrants. Experiencing these struggles has inspired my passion for having social perspective, and I hope to continue fighting for communities that I am a part of, as well as those that I am not.
As I explored these combinations of being an immigrant and living with a disability like hydrocephalus, my mind began to formulate circuitous methods to solve and analyze problems. This allowed me to critically look at scientific methods and analyze literature prompts. I would like to study neuroscience to deeply understand the human brain and to become an unparalleled doctor fighting against the norms of societies and social alienation and trying to reduce disparities in the health system. Anyone can become a doctor but it takes a certain empathy and compassion from the heart to make a great doctor who pushes and advocates for social equality in the medical field. My experiences and perspectives allowed me to make a tough decision. When I stepped off my flight into Boston, it was a time to begin my new life and make my dreams come true. I know that some barriers remain in front of me, but I am excited to face them, not only to make my life better but also to do my best to make the world a better place.
High School: Hope High School
When I came to the United States, I was excited to start my new life until the norms of society became a barrier to my education. On the first day of school, I was placed in an ESL class. This was disappointing because I had dedicated all my academic years to succeed in the highest-level courses, which included English language courses back in Turkey.
As an immigrant, my life was framed by other people’s rules. I was frustrated because there were English classes that would be more valuable to me.
After seven days of excelling in the ESL, the teacher suggested I be placed in a higher-level English class. A year later, I was placed in AP English.
My experience of being placed and displaced exposed the American education system’s shallow understanding of immigrants. Experiencing these struggles has inspired my passion for having social perspective, and I hope to continue fighting for communities that I am a part of, as well as those that I am not.
As I explored these combinations of being an immigrant and living with a disability like hydrocephalus, my mind began to formulate circuitous methods to solve and analyze problems. This allowed me to critically look at scientific methods and analyze literature prompts. I would like to study neuroscience to deeply understand the human brain and to become an unparalleled doctor fighting against the norms of societies and social alienation and trying to reduce disparities in the health system. Anyone can become a doctor but it takes a certain empathy and compassion from the heart to make a great doctor who pushes and advocates for social equality in the medical field. My experiences and perspectives allowed me to make a tough decision. When I stepped off my flight into Boston, it was a time to begin my new life and make my dreams come true. I know that some barriers remain in front of me, but I am excited to face them, not only to make my life better but also to do my best to make the world a better place.
