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.
~
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
Less than a 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.
ends meet meat*
its very well written, i really like first paragraph :), i think you should probably just give a few examples or just emphasize how the dream act would help you and your family out personally, but other than that good job
Thank you so much :) I took your advice and added a few more personal ideas on the last paragraph. What do you think?
Personally, for me the Dream Act signifies an opportunity to one day give back to the country that has already given me so much- a free education, safety and security, and most importantly a place to call home. 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. So even if I lack that wonderful nine digit number that grants access to an unlimited number of doors, I am American, (and I know it.) ?? <--- Keep it or no?
i think it sounds good:) and you answered the "why is it important to you" part so i think it does sound better:) and as for that last part iiii think you should keep it
Thank you Emily :) Your input really helped me pull it all together. If you repost your next drafts I'll be sure to look them over and give you my thoughts. I wish you the best of luck in your UC admission process :)
There is actually a different kind of FAFSA that you could use I think its called Affidavits
@Erika - Do you mean submit an affidavit (legal sworn oath)? I think I know what you mean I'm just not sure if it works like FAFSA. You think you could find me the link? By the way, thank you :)
