Figured I'd Introduce Myself.

[thefxmedia 1]

Hey guys, my name is Santiago and I'm from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was born in Uruguay and we emigrated to Massachussett's when I was five years old, we moved to Florida a few years later and have been here since.

It's odd that I find myself joining this forum, I normally keep my feelings in check but man...the reality of my situation dawned on me hard and I've been a whiny teary eyed mess all day.

I've had DACA for 4 years now (or 3 1/2) and I'm very thankful for being able to work and drive, I digress.

 

I've been trying to keep a positive mindset, but it's hard. I've tried signing up for college twice now, Florida doesn't let me pay in state tuition prices...so paying out of pocket with no financial aid - well, the price is astranomical. Even if I moved back home with my parents I still wouldn't be able to afford it, both visits to my local community college (a year apart from each other) ended in utter dissapointmen. I was discouraged for a while, and for the most part of this last year I kind of...floated around. Working an OKAY paying, but definatley not a "real" job, hanging out with my roommate, got a dog...but not really progressing in life.

 

Although I'm facing unjust hardships due to assbackwards legislature, I'm still a patriot and I consider the United States my home. A few months ago I began developing an interest in the military, admittedly, I'd never taken the time to really look into.

A world of opportunities seemed to open up to me - first of all, up until this moment I had absolutley no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But the moment I began learning more aboutt he military, I knew I'd finally figured it out - everything clicked.

I'm very athletic, and although I've never had any training - survivalism and the endurance of the human body have always been great interests of mine - so the prospect of 9 weeks of hellish basic training made me feel excitement and joy I hadn't felt for anything in a while.

 

For weeks I continued reading up on the military, I wanted to make an informed decision. I kept on trying to talk myself out of it, think of reasons NOT to go and...it just didn't happen. This was it. I found it.

Today, I finally mustered up the balls and was going to go to the enlistment office. I went to bed like a small child the night before Disney World, I couldn't WAIT to wake up and go to the enlist. I went to bed that night with a SENSE of pride, because I was stepping up, I was being a man, and I was enlisting in the US Army.

I woke up early the next morning, all my documents in a folder, and I beamed with excitement as I drove to the enlistment office.

 

Thirty minutes later...I was crushed. I wasn't eligibile. I've always assumed that with DACA we were allowed to join the military, I just thought it made SENSE - why not let us serve the country? Just been a mess all day ever since, I keep on crying which makes me feel really emasculated...it just sucks and it's so unfair.

 

And then...it got even more unfair. Reeling from being told that I wasn't going to be able to enlist in the military, I tried looking on the positive side of things. Driving around I kept on seeing posters from the Police Department that they were hiring officers.

There I went again, getting excited - surviving police academy wouldn't be as great as the army...and being a cop wouldn't be the same as being a Private - but for now it'd have to do. It was at least a chance to advance myself in life.

Of course, I got home - did my research. You have to be a US Citizen.

 

 

Sorry for the rant, it's just been a really hard day. I'm so disheartened, I don't know what to do at this point - I feel literally sick. It's just so fucked, all of it.

I had to tell someone about this and I have too much pride to cry to my parents. Best regards, and I hope to meet and connect with others on the same boat.

 

Misery loves company?

 

 

[Theresa 63]

Welcome Santiago! We are all here to support each other in this forum where we can all feel safe to talk about our stories. I'm so glad you found us. I hope that your state will come to its senses about the necessary programs on education dreams for many on DACA. Don't stop dreaming

http://floridaimmigrant.org/our-work/education-immigrant-youth/access-to-college/

[art3mes 0]

hey mate </3 I'm sorry this is happening to you! I wish I could help!!!   I think all of us as humans kinda float until we find our calling. Keep looking and keep searching mate maybe take a roadtrip or a camping trip and just think long and hard. sure you werent able to enroll into the military but there are other options!!! Please keep us updated!!

[Dreamersofhappiness 0]

I wanted to be a Army Nurse in the future, because i was accepted to the ATA, but once i walked in they told me i have to be a citizen to fully receive my license to be a NURSE. I was upset the whole day because i worked really hard my 4 years in high school trying to maintain a outstanding GPA, yet to tell me i can not succeed my career. It feels terrible. 

 

Now i do not know what to do cause,I am graduating early this January, and i have 4 months to work hard and save as much, because in June I walk with my class to graduate... 

 

All colleges are making me pay OUT state tuition.

[mavnier 0]

Hey, I am a DACA recipient myself and I am about to join the army.

 

I know that this post is like a year old. But are you still interested in joining the military?

 

Now you can join the US army through MAVNI program. This is a program that allows foreigners to enlist in army and give citizenship when they enlist.

 

You should check out http://mavnicenter.com for more information. 

[roadrunner11 167]

Welcome Santiago! 

 

Miami Dade college offers in-state tuition to DACA recipients. I highly recommend calling a financial advisor and meeting with them in person. I have met people who are currently at MDC paying in-state tuition and getting their degrees with DACA. It will not be easy or cheap. Nothing is easy for us but you can go to school part-time and work to pay for your classes. 

 

I personally had to have two jobs to fund my undergraduate education and for my graduate education I found a cosigner for my student loans. It is a tough decision but trust me it pays off in the end. Going to school for me was extremely difficult and there were a million road blocks but a really good friend pushed me keep fighting for my dreams. So, if you really want to go to to college keep going Santiago. There are ways you just need to try harder than the rest of Americans. 

 

Let me know if you have questions. 

[Admin 174]

Welcome to the forums! Enjoy your stay!

[JoseEP 0]

On 6/10/2016 at 0:47 AM, mavnier said:

Hey, I am a DACA recipient myself and I am about to join the army.

 

I know that this post is like a year old. But are you still interested in joining the military?

 

Now you can join the US army through MAVNI program. This is a program that allows foreigners to enlist in army and give citizenship when they enlist.

 

You should check out http://mavnicenter.com for more information. 

Researching. Hope it's still valid!

[Skyking89 0]

The program is closed. its under review.