Essential Fact #1: I woke up at 7:29 AM.

Once I opened my eyes, I knew exactly what I was going to do today. 

I got up, showered, ate Cheerios for breakfast, and got ready for my 8:30 class. I then made this list to remind myself of today’s activities. 

List of things to do: 

• work out at the gym
• revise thesis chapter
• eat lunch with William
• study/research for second thesis chapter
• concert choir rehearsal
• study group meeting
  

All of these items show that I live a seemingly normal life. The next fact about me shows the biggest obstacle I cannot overcome alone. 

Essential Fact #2: We are immigrants who were brought into this country by our parents as children, without choice.

And it’s something we think about on a daily basis. Some of my friends know this fact about me and they are always surprised. My former roommate asserted to me once: “You’re not Mexican.” For the thirteen years I’ve lived in the United States, I’ve passed as a normal American kid who loved school and who has goals for the future. I am determined to fulfill those goals. However, I can’t do this alone. I need to let other people know what my goals are so that they can advocate for me. Within the next two years, my goals are: 

• to learn a new language (I am undecided between Japanese or Modern Greek)
• advice young students in my situation to look for other options after high school
• to be an active participant in a church choir
• to earn my MS Ed in Education
• to become a resident of this country
  

I ask for your help to help me fulfill the last goal on my list. I can’t do this alone. I need people who want to see me succeed to advocate for me, to voice to our leaders that students like myself should be given the chance to contribute to America.