Hi I'm Armando

[Gandalf 12]

Hi everyone. It's very encouraging to go through these forums, and see so many peers that have fought against the odds as undocumented youths like myself. I stumbled onto this site after searching to see if anyone else's DACA application has been taking too long to get approved. I'm glad that I'm not alone in this, though it's a little disheartening to learn that some people have been waiting far longer than me and still haven't heard anything.

Anyway, my name is Armando; I'm 24 years old. An uncle carried me across the Mex/U.S. border and into Phoenix, AZ when I was 4 years old. I'd always been aware of my status as an undocumented immigrant, but it hit me hardest when I was in high school. Between the student exchange programs, summer trips to Germany, and university offers that I could never take advantage of, I was crushed. It felt like I was up against the entire world. At the least, I was determined to get attend college like any native student might do. After getting fake work credentials, I worked throughout my high school years, saving as much as I could. Even so, I had to spend 2 years at a community college before I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for my last 3 years of study. I relied on a few private scholarships, and practically obliterated my life savings, but I obtained my B.S. in computer science in May 2012. It's kind of ironic, I was the valedictorian for my graduating class, and I gave a speech about engineers' responsibility to better society. Yet, I'm the only one who's life has remained stagnant since graduating. All of my friends have careers and fuller lives. Luckily, my siblings were all born in the U.S. (I'm the oldest), so they don't have to face these difficulties. Still, I can't help but feel a little jealous to see them get their driver's licenses, receive FAFSA support and go off to study in New York.

I'm glad to have found a place to vent, and share these things. And I'm overjoyed at the opportunity presented by DACA, though I wish things would move along. My one regret as a DREAMer, is that I was silent while so many others, much braver than me, raised their voices through non-violent protest. DACA is still a far cry from allowing us to fully realize ourselves as Americans, but it's a hard won step along the way, possible thanks to the courage of youths like the ones on these forums.

[REPutation 83]

Ohhh wow. I really enjoyed reading your post. Let me be the first to welcome you to the forum. I hope we have helped you in any way possible. I understand your struggles, so do others. It is hard being undocumented and being silent.

Don't regret anything. Stay strong. And soon you will be approved. Thank you for sharing your story

[Wisedevil22 24]

I can almost relate to everything you said... Welcome to the forum Armando.

[Afrosana 17]

Welcome Armando!! I really was captivated by your post. I completely understand the jealousy you would have about your siblings, I feel like that with practically everyone family or not. So glad to see you here Congratulations on graduating in May!!

[roadrunner11 167]

Welcome Armando Great job on all your accomplishments. You are definitely another example of why we deserve this chance. Best wishes.

[Luna 47]

Welcome to the forum Armando!!

[amor 112]

Armando, you're the kind of person that makes us dreamers shed our shame and stand proud. I admire your hard work and perseverance! Welcome and thank you for sharing!

[Gandalf 12]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone

[Peedur 8]

Awesome story! Welcome, Armando.

The people here are great. Hope you enjoy yourself and find whatever information and/or positivity you need.

[splif0clock 89]

What a nice story bro. I feel your pain man. I have been there and went through various emotional states when I was left out of some school activity back in high school. All I can say to you is this, You have achieved something that most natives won't be able to pull with all those utilities around them. So relax and make the best of the worst moments because it could have been worst.

I salute you for finishing your undergrad year and for being a valedictorian of class 2012 !

[Momo13 17]

Amazing story!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Knowing that others have gone threw the same thing does let us know that we are not alone in this huge struggle and that great things can happen. Welcome !!!

[JayhOR24 58]

What a story dude!

we'er all brothers/sisters here!

Best of luck! :

[erika020 87]

what a great and wonderful story thanks for sharing it with us . I know what you mean, when I was in high school I wish I had the same opportunities as the rest of my peers . It is a little tougher for us as undocumented youth but that shows our determination and our seriousness towards getting a higher education

welcome to the forum and wish you the best

I'm also majoring in computer science

[Lonewolf8951 33]

Welcome brother. Keep the faith man. Shouldn't be much longer till something wonderful happens for us.

[Gandalf 12]

@erika020: That's great! We could use more Latino's in computer science. At my school, there were a good number of us in just about every engineering field except CS. Best of luck with your studies!

@Lonewolf8951: Thanks for the welcome. And congratulations on being approved last week. It's encouraging to see things are in fact moving along, if a little slowly.

[John89 11]

Very touchy and just so you know, I am very proud of you, it takes courage to accomplish all of that, is a shame especially to those who are born here that have all that it takes to become someone in life, but good luck in your future bro!

keep up the great work!

one quick question....i hope you don't mind answering it, what part of Mexico are you from???

[Gandalf 12]

Hey John89. I'm from Estado de Mexico, Mx. Though I haven't been there in about 15 years now. My actual home town is about an hour and a half south of Toluca and about 2 hours southwest of Mexico City.

[Laste31 41]

Hi Armando! Your story is very touching! Good luck