My name is Isabel Vargas. I am 18 years old. I came 10 years ago from the Dominican Republic and I am undocumented.

I remember going inside the plane and thinking “Wow. I am going to a new country.” I had mixed feelings. “What are my friends going to think of me?” And “how will I communicate with them.” I entered Oliver Elementary school, learned English pretty quick and made lots of friends. Ever since I was little, my dad always told me that if I did well in school all the doors of opportunity would open up. But that was not true. I sat in my seat during graduation on May 22^nd, 2009 and thought: “how could everything I worked so hard for be taken away from me?” I excelled in school and that was not enough. I joined SIM and it changed my life in a way I could not even explain. I love being a part of SIM and it has been the best thing that has happened to me.

I now have knowledge and skills about Immigration. It has taught me to have courage, be strong and fight for what I believe in. I have met a variety of people from different cultures that have taught me a rich knowledge about other places, and most of all it has taught me about working together as a team and creating a movement. I am so glad I am part of SIM.