Hi, my name is Maria I'm 27 years old...born in San Luis Potosi and raised in Texas since the age of 3. I didn't know my legal status until I was 16 when I started applying for jobs. It was depressing to think I wasnt going to work and get paid like my friends were... pretty much felt like a nobody. At that time I started skipping school, smoking pot and drinking, I let the wrong things influence in my life... I even tried to overdosing... after I went thru psychological help one of my bros got me a job as a waitress. I only worked for 2 years because I had gotten tuberculosis so I had to be on treatment for a year... within that year I met the man who is now my husband... we have 4 kids so he doesn't let me work ... I tell him that as soon as I get my papeles im getting my licence and a job were I can take the kids with me.. I'm so grateful for the opportunity this country is giving us :-).... I really hope this becomes permanent too :-)