Meet Our Leaders

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.

SIM membership is more than just having your name on a list somewhere. To join SIM is to understand the gravity of our situation, to accept that in order to correct this injustice we must come together and educate ourselves, and to be willing to sacrifice our time and our egos to turn this knowledge into positive action. SIM members are brothers and sisters in a family whose connection transcends blood. It is a union of support, compassion, and strength. Together, SIM members demonstrate the courage necessary to take back the power over our lives and our futures

I came to this country when I was 9. I had always had a interest in working with my mind. I began studying math and physics extensively while in school and eventually grew to love the subjects. After “college season” and being devastated that I couldn’t attend my choice school, that I couldn’t grow to be exactly what I had dreamt of since I was young because some papers were in my way, I decided to fight. I joined SIM knowing full well that I would have to face my difficulties head on everyday. I joined because I believed my teachers when they told me I could anything I wanted to, and that it would have to be my job to make sure others would get the same opportunity. Anybody can excel, they just need to be given the opportunity. I’ll make my own way, but I can’t leave others behind while I still have a chance to help them. I joined SIM to give back to my community, and as Regional Coordinator for the South East I will make sure we are all united in this struggle.

I am currently pursuing a Major in Physics at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Renata Teodoro emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 6 from Brazil. She graduated in 2006 as a recipient of the Abigail Adams Scholarship, a prestigious academic merit scholarship, but could not use it because of her immigration status. Renata became an active member of the Student Immigrant Movement leadership team in 2008 after taking an active role in the In-State Tuition Campaign. Renata quickly took responsibility for organizing fundraising events, implementing new strategies to focus on the strengths of members. Renata joined the SIM staff in 2009 to focus on resource development and fundraising.

Renata continues her education at UMass Boston, working on a joint degree in Psychology and Human Services.

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.