My name is Gladys and I’m a member of the Student Immigrant Movement. I came to the United States when I was 12 years old and I’m currently 20 years old. Like my parents I came here without having the proper documentation to enter the U.S. However, the main reason why I came here was because I wanted to see my parents who had to emigrate to the U.S from Mexico the year before because they wanted to offer me, my brother and sisters a better life.
For me one of the most exciting parts about the idea of living in the United States besides being with my parents was the idea of going to school, but I have to say that getting used to my new life was quite difficult since I didn’t know a word in English. However, in school I always tried my hardest to excel in all my classes because I always listened and believed what my teachers told me that if I did good in school doors and opportunities would open up for me. I graduated from high school with high honors with a 4.1 GPA. However, despite having a 4.1 GPA I was not able to attend the school of my choice because I did not qualified for financial aid neither could I afford myself paying out-state tuition rates.
My desire of becoming an educated person but most importantly the need that I have to do something about my situation made me join the Student Immigrant Movement. In SIM I found other students in my situation. SIM has not only has reinforced my hope but most importantly has given me the skills and the tools that I need to keep fighting for my dreams and for other students’ dreams.


