My name is Emma and I.M. Beyond Borders. Learn about the great opportunities DACA has given me, such as my recent trip to Mexico City on a journey towards discovering my bi-nationality and ultimately becoming “de aquí Y de allá”. Learn how I have found my place in a classroom as a  first-generation college student navigating spaces that were not meant for me.  I have come to appreciate the phrase “Si, se puede"
#ISupportDACA #DACAworks #DACAmented #IMBeyondBorders #HereToStay 

A week or so ago, in the company of great friends, a few miles from the US-Mexico border, I said farewell to the best year of my life—2016. Together we welcomed 2017 cheerfully singing and dancing to classic English and Spanish tunes. We enjoyed foods from both sides of the border as we laugh at our English, Spanish, and even Spanglish jokes. Right at midnight, we yelled to the top of our lungs a hopeful “Happy New Year” and “Feliz Año Nuevo!” wishing each other the best for the upcoming year. In the midst of the entire celebration, you could hear the fireworks on both sides of the border blending together to create a single celebration. As for me, I stood with my DACA documents in my hand and so close to a border that could potentially separate me from my dreams.

January for me has always been a month of reflection. I firmly believe that you realize your advancements when you reflect back. I arrived in this country on January 6, 2004. For the first time in twelve years, I look at the year ahead of me just like I did on the day of my arrival— with uncertainty, a bit of fear, and a lot of determination. Something I learned in 2016 was to be proud of my immigrant story. The truth is that it isn’t too different from the millions of people who left their home in search of a better future. I have faced similar challenges like immigrants that arrive in a new country and fight the uphill battle towards integration and success. However, despite all these challenges, I have never forgotten my childhood dreams of one day obtaining  a college degree.​

 My name is Maria and I.M. Beyond Borders.
Get behind the scenes what I'm calling a "golden ticket," a pass I've been rejected for several years, hoped and prayed for, and recently make my dream come true. I'm doing all of this with a full ride scholarship with a group that full supports me. I won't stop here. If you find this inspiring, please share to show "si, se puede."

Last night, I celebrated New Year's in Paris, France, the country I always dreamt of visiting. Some people here have mistaken me as American, but the reality is incredibly different. Yes, I am American by heart, but I am a Mexican by birth. Another thing they don't know is that I am DACAmented in the United States, and am in Europe only because of what I call a golden ticket-Advance Parole.

My life in the U.S. has been rough since day one. Not knowing the language or culture was a huge back-breaking barrier, but I didn't allow it to push me down. Growing up in the U.S. since I was 7 years old brought me to value this country immensely. It's been the only place I truly know and call home. Regardless of graduating in the top 3% of my high school class, it's been a rough rollercoaster ride, especially now in college. Doors have closed on me because not being a U.S. citizen or resident disqualified me from several college funding opportunities. That didn't stop me: I'm blessed to say I've somehow been able to fight for enough scholarships to pay my entire way to college. I'm more blessed to say nothing was simply handed to me so, I've learned how to work hard for what I want. Part of me is happy because since I received DACA, many doors have opened; however, at the same time, it gave many the authority to deny to us rights that should be fundamental. These obstacles have prepared me for things like why I am here today. These obstacles have empowered me to prove that we are students wanting a betterment of OUR nation.

​Many have supported me through my educational journey... (Read More below)