Undergraduate / 'the Dream Act represents hope' - Apply Texas Topic B- Issue of Importance [7]

Choose an issue of importance to you-the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope-and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation. Please give me your thoughts on it, any feedback will be appreciated.

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Many people take it for granted because it has always been there, right next to their name. That nine digit number that identifies them as an individual part of a much larger whole. That whole is America. But I am not part of this whole, at least not legally. The difference is that I was born 400 meters south of the border, 400 meters that have hung above my head, 400 meters marking the difference between citizen, and undocumented immigrant. For me and 65000 other undocumented high school graduates, the Dream Act represents hope at the end of an otherwise uncertain future.

I was born in Mexico, exactly two blocks away from the nearest US port of entry. Less than year later, my mother left her homeland behind with hopes of giving her children the best opportunity to acquire an education. Twelve years of school designed to eventually prepare all students for their next challenge, college. For most students, this includes essays, applications, and most importantly, financial aid. Unfortunately for me, no citizenship means no financial aid. With no financial aid to support on, college expenses will quickly become an enormous burden on my mother. Although struggling to make ends meet, she has never once doubted that all of my brothers and I will go to college.

Approval of the Dream Act would lay the groundwork for several things. For example, it would allow thousands of undocumented immigrants like myself to not only go to college, but also attend college without emerging in a sea of debt. Moreover, only after completing college would "dreamers" also be given the opportunity to become legal citizens of the United States. This in fact, would allow a vast number of current undocumented college graduates willing to become productive members of society an opportunity to seek legal employment in the United Sates.

Unfortunately, legislation and passage of the Dream Act lays in the hands of other people. All I can hope for is that they will understand that in their hands, lies the future and potential of brilliant students who have never known a home other than the United States.

~Alan Melendez

Undergraduate / My mother has shaped and molded my life and has made an impact on me [7]

This is my first time posting an essay, any feedback will be gladly appreciated so please don't hesitate to tell me if anything needs to be changed. Thank you! :)

​Confident, with the determination of a marathon runner, and ready to make her voice heard. Although today sees only her unrelenting fighting spirit, there was a time when her will was all but gone. Luckily, the day came, and she promised herself to never again let anyone belittle her or her children. Leaving her country, family, and home behind, she sought bigger dreams for her four boys in a new country.

​Starting from bits ans scraps, my mother took on the responsibility of both father and mother, and has worked her hardest to provide the best life possible for our family. It truly amazes me, watching her arrive home late after a long day of grueling work as a housemaid, yet always wearing a smile, ready to ask everyone else how their day went. Although we may not live in the best home, drive the newest car, or own the most expensive clothes, we have something many lack- a home filled with love, support, and compassion.

​Never once indulging in self pity, my mother has taught me the importance of tackling obstacles head on. Always with the certainty you can succeed as long as you're committed and are willing to go the extra mile. In turn, this idea has helped me understand the importance of constantly seeking to improve myself. Whether it's academically, socially, or even spiritually, it doesn't matter what's important is to set out and accomplish our personal goals.

​No doubt my mother has shaped and molded my life in tremendous ways. From enormous impact events like deciding to migrate to the United States, to the more subtle instilling of knowledge and importance of morality and respect. Her unselfish and loving attitude will forever stay with me as a role model, reminding me never to look down on anybody regardless of race, education, or wealth.