Filled
with joy and hope my dad kept saying “No more deportations! Obama did it!”
through the phone. What is he talking about? I kept thinking. Is it possible
that the last years of struggles, sacrifices, broken spirits and sparks of hope
have finally brought a ray of light?
I
came to the United States like many others with my pockets full with only dreams.
I wanted to learn English so desperately. I wanted to be an American and soon I
understood the true values behind being one. I worked harder and harder to
excel in school, I volunteered and devoted my time to my community and I was
thankful every second of the day for all the opportunities that were given to
me. Soon I graduated from high school with honors and was admitted to many
colleges that offered me scholarships and hope of a better future. I found my
home at Texas A&M University.
Today
I have cried, laughed, prayed and then cried again. My dream of becoming a
civil engineer and improving the infrastructure of OUR nation seems closer than
ever. The dream my mother had, to see us succeed, whenever she made the
decision of bringing my brother and I to this country is now possible. I joined
the movement to give hope to my brother, to tell him that is it possible to
create a change. Today I can say we can go as far as we want to go. I
congratulate and thank my CMSA family, where I found my home. When everyone
else saw nothing more than an unwanted immigrant you gave me strength and
shared your crazy dreams with me. Many times I felt as broken as our
immigration system and I know you shared those feelings with me but let’s
rejoice today, we are finally heading in the right direction as a nation.
My
heart is with all those DREAMers that in our struggle have become “Undocumented
and Unafraid” and that today are liberated from their fears. We did it! I have
cried with you after we lost Joaquin Luna, an undocumented brother that
committed suicide after losing hope in our immigration system, and today I
celebrate with you. Our work and vision for justice has paid off. All those
rallies and actions organized are now part of the road to our victory. I love you
my brothers and sister in the fight. We have lost our chains.
Mommy
you did the right thing, we are here for a reason. I remember all those times I
found your love in my frustrations and you reminded me of the power of my
dreams. I am proud to be a DREAMer. Since the first time I heard the stories of
my brothers and sisters in the movement I understood I had nothing to be
ashamed of. If anything because of our journeys we have grown into strong and
passionate leaders. It is a day to remember and celebrate who we are. DREAMers
we have lost our chains.
By Mariana Anguiano
June 25th 2012
Texas A&M University
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