Don’t Need A Certificate

Angy,
Are you a certified mental health provider? Counselor? Therapist? To be giving advice. What gives you the right to be doing this when you haven’t had any training? What do you know about struggle when New York is a blue state?
ConcernedDreamer

Dear ConcernedDreamer,
Thank you for your email and I hope you’re staying safe and warm wherever you are .
Just because I live in New York doesn’t mean I don’t know about struggle. I know what it feels like to be offered scholarships and job opportunities that you’re forced to give up because of your status.
I know about having to lie about why you don’t drive or travel. I know about crying yourself to sleep because you can’t seem to find the answer to this problem.
Just because I live here doesn’t mean I don’t encounter racism and anti-immigrants.
I know what it feels like to not be able to pay for college and having to put your education on hold because of money. Others have made me feel like I don’t belong. I’ve been told I couldn’t do something.
I know what being undocumented feels like every day of my life.
I just want to say that being undocumented is a fight that many sympathize and I appreciate all our allies. They really care about the movement and support us no matter what we decide to do. I thank our allies for voting for us and doing anything else in their power to help. It’s hard to fully understand the implications of being undocumented because it affects us mentally and emotionally as well. Being undocumented tests our patience and strength on a regular basis. It’s part of everything we do and every relationship we have is affected by our status.
My experience is what allows me to understand others and their struggle. Who else can fully understand what is going on in a dreamers head than another dreamer? It’s nice to be able to talk to someone who knows exactly what you mean without you trying to explain it. I can be there for someone because I don’t have to be certified to connect with others. I don’t need a certificate to be able to listen and be of support because I know firsthand how hard life can get without those famous numbers.

The NYSYLC Support Group is back! Starting March 2nd we will be gathering at 220 5th Ave and doors open at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come.

I urge you to email me with any questions, concerns, comments or just your own story. This is a space to vent out any feelings you have bottled up inside. Whatever you write is up to you and you will not be judged. Your stories and worries matter! You are not alone. Remember, the insecurities and fears you have, someone else is them having too! Don’t be afraid to speak out!

If you are a fan of the Ask Angy posts..
The views expressed by the author on this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC).