Hi Angy,
My name is Cesar and I am illegal, well I guess that part is obvious, haha. I’m 18, been in NYC for 10 years, luckily been able to go to college and finish my first year. I got into the Macaulay Honors program at Lehman, which I hope all students in our situation know about and apply to. My sister was unlucky as she came here when she was older and had to work and pay her way through college. Basically, I haven’t really been involved much in the fight for the DREAM Act or anything else, which I’m angry at myself for. I’ve been stuck waiting for things to just happen, but I’ve realized that I need to do something for them to happen I can’t just wait anymore. I want to start getting involved in the NYSYLC and what it does and work towards improvement for all of us.
Let me know what I should do next,
Cesar
Nice to e-meet you Cesar. I’m very happy you have decided to take this step and get involved in the movement. I totally agree with you, we cannot sit around waiting for things to happen we need to take some action.
Getting involved in the New York State Youth Leadership Council is very easy. We do not have a president, vice-president structure we function with different core members being coordinators to different committees. For example, I coordinate the support group and another core member named Melissa coordinates the Leadership Development committee. New members fill out this form and pick which committee to be a part of depending on what they like to do. All of this are ways of helping pass the New York Dream Act and stopping the deportations of youth. We also hold trainings, meetings, fundraisers and more which you can help plan as well as take part of. Don’t be shy!
You mentioned you are attending Lehman College. Two of our core members started the first CUNY Dream Team on that campus feel free to email Melissa@nysylc.org to find out how to get involved while attending Lehman. They’re a bunch of friendly people and I’m sure you’ll feel right at home.
Don’t forget to spread the word and raise awareness about this issue. You can do so by simply sharing your story which you can email to me angy@nysylc.org. Many people find hope reading them and will feel the urgency to get involved once a face has been put to the numbers.
Finally, please drop the I-word. No human being is illegal or will be illegal or was illegal. You are not illegal.
Readers, If you thinking of applying to a City University of New York (CUNY) College look into the Macaulay Honors program which can pay your whole tuition if you meet certain requirements and maintain them throughout your years in school. At orientation and college fairs don’t be afraid to ask about these opportunities and the acceptance of undocumented individuals into private universities.
Email or fill out this form with any questions, concerns, comments or just your own story. This is a space to let it all out! You don’t have to bottle it 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.
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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)
