"My Life as an Undocumented Student" Life as an undocumented student has been an emotional rollercoaster. Growing up, I never knew my legal status and it wasn't until high school that I found out about it. This news was devastating, to say the least. I felt like my dreams of going to college were abruptly taken away from me. Having no access to financial aid or scholarships made it even harder to stay on track. Despite these challenges, I persevered and was determined to make the best out of my situation. I volunteered for numerous organizations, worked every-odd job I could find, took extra classes in high school and looked for creative ways to pay for college tuition. It wasn't easy, but I never gave up. Today, I am proud of my accomplishments as an undocumented student and how far I have come. Even though college is still out of reach for me, I take comfort in knowing that my hard work and dedication will eventually pay off. As an example to other undocumented students like myself, I want to demonstrate that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. My story of resilience will continue on as I work to make my dreams come true. This is why I am so passionate about advocating for the rights of undocumented students and creating pathways for them to pursue their education. Education should not be a privilege but rather an opportunity that all children have access to. I want to be part of the solution that will create a brighter future for other undocumented students like me. My experience has taught me a great deal about life, hope and determination. It has made me an even stronger person and empowered me to keep fighting for what I believe in. I am an undocumented student and now, I am proud to stand in that identity. |
"Photography" I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember, ever since I first picked up my point-and-shoot camera when I was seven. As my skills and understanding of photographic techniques improved, so did my appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. In particular, I find it remarkable how light is able to create interesting shadows and highlights, making ordinary subjects extraordinary. This appreciation has been entrenched in my photography ever since I developed an image of a homeless woman on the street. When I first saw the photo, I was taken aback by its poignancy. In that moment, beauty became more than what we normally associate with beauty - flawless faces and perfect bodies. Instead, beauty is what we make of it. It can be found in the smallest details and even in tragedy. I believe that this concept should be embraced by everyone who appreciates art and photography. Beauty isn't something confined to a certain type or form, but rather something that can be seen everywhere when we open our eyes and hearts to it. Through my photography, I aspire to bring this concept to light and inspire others to do the same. Typically, photography can be seen as an art of capturing a moment in time. For me, however, it's about creating beauty out of whatever comes my way - be it a homeless woman or a fashion model - and immortalizing it for the world to see. It's my hope that, through my photography, I can reveal the beauty of our world and all its nuances. With every photo I take, I strive to evoke emotion in those who view my work and remind them that no matter where they are or what they're looking at, there is beauty all around us, waiting to be discovered. |