Dear Angy,

Currently I am stuck at home, not attending college or working. I feel like I’m going crazy, I don’t know what to do. Florida is a really hard state to attend college when you are undocumented. My high school counselor wasn’t of much help since she was clueless about my situation too. I’m in a Family petition through my aunt but that takes over 5 years and that is way too much time for me to wait. What I tell my friends about me not attending college right now is that I’m “taking a year off”. But once next year begins, reality is going to kick me in the butt. I need help, I HAVE to continue studying here in Florida, or anywhere else where they accept me. I’m truly lost and don’t know where I can or can’t apply. (I applied during my senior year to 4 colleges as an international student and was accepted, but of course I had no way of paying) Getting accepted is not really a problem, I graduated Salutatorian of my 2010 class; the problem is paying and finding scholarships or grants for me. Please help, any advice/help would be really appreciated.

-K.

Hey K [: Thank You for sending in your worries!
First off, I want to congratulate you on graduating Salutatorian of your class! That’s a great honor. You’re story sounds very similar because I’ve been in the same situation. I also had to take a semester off school because i couldn’t afford it and found myself losing my mind. Start off by trying to save some money. Anything is better than nothing. There are the usual service jobs: waitress, nanny, babysitter, dog-sitter, dog walker, home attendant, tutor, translator (if you’re bilingual), delivery person, dish washer and much more. I’m not 100% familiarized with Florida law but I’m sure you can sell your talent to anyone that will buy it (if you can groom dogs for money, make and sell t-shirts, hand made portraits, etc). Sell sell sell! Have a garage sale, yard sale, lemonade stand, house party etc.  Scholarships are a very tricky subject but there is this site called E4FC check them out and see if you qualify for any. You have to keep searching for them! But don’t give up on your education.

You can apply to our CUNY schools here in New York and I believe you would be charged out of state tuition, not international. There’s always the chance of being accepted into a private college that pays for everything but you’d have to look into those. There are some that are willing to help undocumented students but you have to reach out to them. In case you decide to come to CUNY, our out of state tuition is cheaper than international but it can still be somewhat expensive. You can also alternate having class one semester and off another semester so you have time to save money or try taking less classes.

Don’t feel stressed if you’re not up to speed with your friends when it comes to credits. Some Dreamers have been in school for over 8 years trying to complete the same degree. Being undocumented makes it more difficult to get a regular 4 year diploma but it’s also more rewarding and I’m sure you’ll value it a lot better. To ease off some of this tension I think you should tell your friends the truth about why you’re not in school. They’re your friends for a reason and they should be there during this time of trouble (and if they’re not you have us ). A true friend will understand your struggle and try to help in anyway. You can always team up and have a fundraiser for your tuition money! Don’t bring yourself down because you’re not in school right now, you’ll come out a better person because of this.

Of course if the Dream Act passes it’ll make parts of this undocumented life a little easier. You might want to consider joining our friends at SWER.org. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re located in Florida as well and can be of great assistance if you’re looking to get involved or just need someone to talk to. Finally, I hope you’re not just sitting at home waiting for things to happen! I’ve learned the hard way that life doesn’t change that way. We have to take matters into our own hands! I hope this kind of helped and you’re welcome to email me again anytime you want.

Readers, join us this Monday November 29th on the red stairs in time square to rally in favor of the Dream Act. We cannot wait any longer! and we need to all our New York elected officials that we expect them to be supportive of the DREAM act and do everything in their power to secure a winning vote.

Also, remember to send me your stories or if you need a space to vent or need advice. WE ARE HERE! You are not alone I’ll be here to answer questions, or talk things out, with anyone. Remember, the insecurities and fears you have, someone else is them having too! Don’t be afraid to speak out!

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The views expressed by the author on this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC).