I transformed pain into wisdom despite constant dehumanization from society. As a first generation undocumented immigrant, I experienced crossing the border illegally, a hostile nightmare, and sexual harassment in pursuit of inaccessible opportunities. Therapy and antidepressants have been prescribed through this traumatizing journey, however, perseverance, inspired by wisdom, is why I continue to fight, survive, and thrive. I am a strong candidate for admission because I disclose first-hand accounts of an undocumented immigrant who achieved academic success, continues to survive, and serves the community, meanwhile on the race towards finishing a Baccalaureate degree.

I was eight-years-old when I crossed the border illegally. We got off a bus in the middle of nowhere on a cold night. Walking five hours with sponges tied to our shoes avoiding footprints that Border Patrol could find. I felt my heart beating in my feet. I was exhausted! We reached an orange grove where we were able to finally rest. My siblings and I huddled together to create body warmth; when suddenly sprinklers turned on. I began to cry as the water was freezing and I felt as if my bones had lit on fire. Finally, lights pulled up. Like sardines, we crammed onto a car for three hours until reaching our destination Phoenix, Arizona. …show more content…
First, acquiring English was tough. Secondly, first day of school classroom introductions were embarrassing, because I feared classmates would assume I was undocumented if disclosed I was Mexican. Thirdly, I vividly recall a insensitive educator, who I confided in about my migratory status, making threatening statements about my deportation being a phone call away if he or she pleased. Lastly, understanding my immigration status signified high expectations to pursue a college education, and outstanding grades in order to become a scholarships recipient as an alternative to financial