Home Away From Home

“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.”― Ani DiFranco

Leaving for college is something new and frightening that some of us get to experience. I am sure that for so many of us it was our first time moving away from home. We are filled with excitement yet anxious to see what is in store for us. Although I was happy for this new chapter of my life to start, I was scared to leave my home filled with comfort and support. At home I was my true self, I did not have to hide the fact that I was undocumented, or be limited by my status.

When I started college, I knew that my experience was going to be different than the average person’s. So many of my friends talked about studying abroad, or planning trips during breaks, and although I was very excited for them, I was also a bit jealous that I wouldn’t be able to. I spent my freshman and sophomore year with the same friends, and although I was happy and comfortable being around them, I knew that they would never really understand me. I craved for a friendship like the one I had with my sisters back home, where we could let our frustrations out about being undocumented, and cheer each other on when things went right. 

So I finally decided to get out of my comfort zone and look for the undocumented community on campus. I went to the DREAM Center, and was surprised to see a friend who was in several of my classes. He told me about his life story, and I did the same. He talked to me about SAFIRE, and encouraged me to go to their meetings, and so I did.

SAFIRE is a campus organization that focuses on providing support and resources for undocumented, DACA, and AB540 students, as well as raising awareness to the issues this community faces.

Right away, I felt so welcomed and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Going to these meetings made me realize I was not alone, that there was a whole community looking out for me and supporting me. I learned a lot about intersectionality, graduate school, and ways to make an income as an undocumented students.

I finally felt like I was complete, and that this void was filled. I found long life friends, and through that, endless opportunities to network. Because of this community, I feel confident and proud of who I am, and most importantly, I no longer feel ashamed of being undocumented. Instead of seeing it as a weakness or something holding me back, I view it as something that has me so relentless and empathetic.

Learn more about UCI’s DREAM Center and its services here.