“When I was still in high school, I didn’t quite understand all the struggles that being undocumented came with. Thankfully I made the cutoff to apply for DACA, which allowed me to get a work authorization permit and a Social Security card. In that sense, I was protected and had peace of mind that chasing a higher education was possible. It wasn’t until I started looking at scholarships that reality hit me. The majority of big scholarships I looked at either required U.S citizenship or career interests that did not apply to me. At that moment I felt like the door of opportunity that was just opened for me was beginning to close right in my face. Having been the first in my family to make it that far was stressful and frustrating because I felt like I was doing this on my own. I had applied and received some of my town’s local scholarships, but they weren’t enough to cover the cost after my first year. A couple of my guidance counselors helped me find out about TheDream.US national scholarship program. I was scared to apply because I knew that there were many other students in my position also going after their dreams of going to college. But in the back of my mind, I knew that if I didn’t apply, I could have missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. I am now a senior at Western Oregon University about to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in exercise science and chemistry because of TheDream.US.

Having been selected as a recipient for this scholarship relieved a lot of the stress that came with paying for college because it accompanies you through all four years of your undergraduate education. I was able to redirect my time and energy into thriving academically and seeking out new educational opportunities through volunteer work on campus. For me, this scholarship made it possible for me to chase my dreams and go further than what my parents were able to accomplish. Had I not been able to afford the cost of college after my first year, I would have probably not gone back, but it is opportunities such as TheDream.US that make it possible for students like me to go beyond the confines of our status.”

– Carolina

“It has been a difficult journey to get to college. I graduated in 2008 with the dreams of going to college right after. I did all the right things to be accepted into a college only to realize my dreams were further than expected. My hands eventually got tired from stretching, waving, and finding that dream that floated somewhere in the sky. The adults around me gave up on me because there were no funds or help for undocumented students like me. So I gave up on my dreams and proceeded with life. As my eyes wandered through life, my heart kept reminding me to look up. Every time I looked up, my dreams and aspirations were nowhere to be seen; they were still too far away to catch them. One day, I decided to give one last stretch, one last wave, and one last reach for the sky. I closed my eyes as I lifted my arms and out of nowhere someone or something grabbed my arms. The Dream.US and Western Oregon University picked me up and flew me high and brought me closer to my dream. Western Oregon University accepted me with open arms and no judgment. I was afraid of rejection and afraid of failing again. WOU has shown me unconditional care and patience through the professors and has given me a voice to help others. When I felt confused, WOU’s advisers helped me clarify my questions. When I needed childcare for my toddler, WOU stepped up and helped me by educating my children, too. Today, my heart reminds me to look, only this time I am reminded to look down because my dream is in my hands and my children are looking up to me. Thank you Western Oregon University and TheDream.US for reaching out and helping me and for giving me the wings to help reach for others just like you reached for me.”

– Angela

“The Dream.US scholarship has given me all the tools I need to succeed during my time at Western and even as I look towards my life after graduation. This opportunity has made me the person I am today and I will forever be grateful for the life experiences I have gained.”

– Ruben