Angy flying for the first time while undocumented
number 4 for take off.
When I was younger my mother always prohibited me from going into places like this. The DMV, courts and especially the airports were places I was kept away from for our safety. Going to school, and the hospital, for the first time in the USA was also very terrifying for my mother, who was told from multiple friends, never to go there. Recently, I set foot in the DMV and saw the crazy lines friends keep talking about.
number 3 for take off.
I missed my first flight so I’m scheduled to leave on the next one which was an hour after. I had time to buy a Chai hot chocolate and croissant, which I threw away because I thought I wasn’t allowed to have liquids on board. Haha. Fail. I’m flying by myself; this special moment belongs to me alone. And now all of you.
number 2 for take off.
When flying, have your passport ready
number 1 for take off.
The guy next to me just said a prayer for his safety, I wonder if he prayed while going through security the way I did, there’s danger there as well. I asked the guy at the window if we could switch seats but he ignored me and eventually said no. Some are privileged enough to fly all the time and don’t find the window of interest. I want to see it all. I’m shamelessly taking pictures. I must look like a tourist. We’re told to sit down and buckle up since we’re taking off soon. Final Destination comes to my mind, that thought is then filled with Yanelli’s picture, a young woman who was placed on a plane and separated from her family despite multiple suicide attempts. I’m privileged and lucky enough to be flying on my own will, not being forced like so many before me.
I don’t feel anything while the plane takes off. I’ve been to six flags enough times to get my body used to that empty stomach feeling when you’re up in the air. We’re off the ground. Flying high enough to cut through the clouds and go over them.
Wow.
Angy flying for the first time while being undocumented
This flight won’t be like the first one, as I land I’ll be undocumented again. But something has changed. 20 minutes till we reach our destination. I want to cry because I just overcame one of the many obstacles I placed on myself because I lack a social security number. Flying while undocumented. I couldn’t continue to chant “undocumented and unafraid” but not practice the unafraid part. We practice being fearless in different ways, so at my own pace, I’m doing it too.
We’re all getting ready to leave. The plane just started to descend and it feels like a roller coaster. The beautiful state of North Carolina awaits me. I’ll get to experience this again on my flight back to New York. Hopefully it won’t be the last time I set foot on a plane.
I left something up in between the air and clouds. No, not my luggage. Fear.
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8 comments
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Maria
July 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
congratulations!
Berenice
July 17, 2012 at 12:15 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Angy, I really really admire your courage and determination. You still are and will always be an inspiration to me and many other undocumented youth!
Jorge Vasquez
July 21, 2012 at 1:29 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I flew back and forth to Miami twice before my mom and my wife got too worried and forbade me from it. I remember that fear too. being in the security line and just praying that no one asks too many questions.I've been taking Amtrak ever since when I visit my family in Miami but I hope, like you, to one cay fly again. Congratulations on your flight! Be safe.
adios, muchacha
July 21, 2012 at 2:37 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Get used to flying. You and your self-centered, greedy law-breaking parasitic friends will soon be returning to the septic tanks you crawled out of.
D Morillo
July 27, 2012 at 11:15 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WOW- aside from being a brave young advocate, you are an amazingly talented writer! Keep doing what you're doing Angy! You are an inspiration and I hope to share your story of courage with the many students I come across that are in your situation!
Rommel
July 28, 2012 at 8:27 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
A hater had to appear -_-, . I just learned about your website. Besides helping people, you're also a good writer. I was lucky enough to get a working permit few months before my first flight in the USA. And still I was extremely nervous. I hope next time you get a window seat, and enjoy the beautiful panorama you can see from up there.
Manny
August 9, 2012 at 7:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Keep facing you fears, you will accomplish anything you set your eyes on. Si se puede!
Marilia
September 26, 2012 at 9:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Angy, you and many others are so brave and strong. Congratulations for taking the flight, but also for having the courage to talk about it, especially in the face of un-American Americans who are sadly consumed by a fear and hatred so similar to the type that drove their ancestors to come to this country.
Dear "adios, muchacha," consider your comments again. Try reading them en voz alto. Close your eyes and then say them again, to yourself, your god, or to no one. How do you feel? Close your eyes and imagine saying them to your first-born child. How will this world remember you?