As I was leaving work today I had a strange sense of déjà vu. I have a corner desk and I push the trashcan as far back as possible so I don't bump into it when I swivel around in my chair. I like to pull the trashcan out from under my desk so the custodians don't have a difficult time reaching for it when they come to empty it. This wasn't the first I'd done this but for some reason today was the day I had a flashback to my childhood.
The first few years living in the U.S. my dad was cleaning apartment buildings as well as office buildings. I would go with him on Saturday nights to this one office where I'd push my little brother around in a desk chair and see how fast he'd let me push him. Before the fun ensued I'd run around the office pulling out the trashcans from under the desks for my dad to come around and throw out whatever filled them. Today I had this tiny moment of, I'm not even sure what you call it exactly. It's not a coming full-circle feeling because I'm not the boss yet, I've got a ways to go, but that's what it felt like. A minuscule full-circle life sort of moment. It was magical.
Thanks for reading.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Obama Announces Immigration Reform
The internet is abuzz with the Immigration Reform today, Thursday, November 20, 2014. Today reminded me why I wish I could've voted when Obama was running.
It blows my mind to think of a version of my life where I would be sitting here today in front of my television thirsty for a solution from the man himself, to be given the chance to live. As hard as I try, I cannot think of what version of myself I would be if I were still here today, undocumented.
I must say I am beaming today and every day to know that thanks to my stubbornness to get closure on my case regardless of the outcome, I am now two years from obtaining Citizenship. It is impossible to know the circumstances of every single immigrant out there, but for all those who deserve it, I hope this is the turning point in all of your lives so you can move on to change the world without the fear of deportation. The grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Here is an article that will give you additional information on today's speech.
#ImmigrationReform2014 #Obama
Much Love!!!
It blows my mind to think of a version of my life where I would be sitting here today in front of my television thirsty for a solution from the man himself, to be given the chance to live. As hard as I try, I cannot think of what version of myself I would be if I were still here today, undocumented.
I must say I am beaming today and every day to know that thanks to my stubbornness to get closure on my case regardless of the outcome, I am now two years from obtaining Citizenship. It is impossible to know the circumstances of every single immigrant out there, but for all those who deserve it, I hope this is the turning point in all of your lives so you can move on to change the world without the fear of deportation. The grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Here is an article that will give you additional information on today's speech.
#ImmigrationReform2014 #Obama
Much Love!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
The Blissful Angst of Life
I've become so much less involved in the immigration issue and so much more involved in worrying about what to do with my life, so much so that I've neglected to tell you of the most important anniversaries that have passed me by this year. This May 3rd marked 3 years of Residency, so I am two years away from obtaining Citizenship, yay! And just two weeks ago was my 28th birthday, that makes 20 years since I've lived here! (wowser)
Having celebrated my birthday put me in a very pensive state, not that I haven't been breaking my head over this since getting my greenie. What to do with my life. I've accepted that no one can help me figure it out. There is no right or wrong choice . . . or is there? I feel like there is, this is the one I am having the most difficulty with.
I've realized the reason I'm having such a hard time saying, "this is what I want to do", is because I spent so many years trying to accept (my reality at the time) that I was never going to be able to do anything with my life here in the U.S. It sounds pessimistic, but realize that every year since my senior year of high school was a year my parents and I kept saying, "this will be the year your Residency comes through", and year after year I was disappointed. There's only so much a young person can take of that, so in that time I worked really hard on myself on just focusing in the present and enjoying life day to day. I played the spectator to the lives of those around me.
It's not that I don't know what my interests are, trust me, I know what they are but I feel that being out of college now it is so difficult to say, "I want to try my hand at this". Yes, I am afraid of failing because . . . (writing this now it seems stupid but it doesn't take away the fear) I'm afraid of failing because I just am. Really the worry is money.
This is the battle that's been going on in my head, but I've made some decisions. I'll be taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) so I can have that out of the way once I decide what my Graduate program will be. Some of you may be confused because I took the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) last year, I had a soul crushing experience with that so I am going a different route I've decided.
All in all though, I've had a fantastic three years so far as a Resident. I am thankful for the angst that comes along with making these life changing decisions because I truly never saw this happening for me.
If you read through all of this, thank you for letting me ramble. If you didn't thanks for glancing anyway :)
MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE!!!
PS- I need to plan a trip for this year.
Having celebrated my birthday put me in a very pensive state, not that I haven't been breaking my head over this since getting my greenie. What to do with my life. I've accepted that no one can help me figure it out. There is no right or wrong choice . . . or is there? I feel like there is, this is the one I am having the most difficulty with.
I've realized the reason I'm having such a hard time saying, "this is what I want to do", is because I spent so many years trying to accept (my reality at the time) that I was never going to be able to do anything with my life here in the U.S. It sounds pessimistic, but realize that every year since my senior year of high school was a year my parents and I kept saying, "this will be the year your Residency comes through", and year after year I was disappointed. There's only so much a young person can take of that, so in that time I worked really hard on myself on just focusing in the present and enjoying life day to day. I played the spectator to the lives of those around me.
It's not that I don't know what my interests are, trust me, I know what they are but I feel that being out of college now it is so difficult to say, "I want to try my hand at this". Yes, I am afraid of failing because . . . (writing this now it seems stupid but it doesn't take away the fear) I'm afraid of failing because I just am. Really the worry is money.
This is the battle that's been going on in my head, but I've made some decisions. I'll be taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) so I can have that out of the way once I decide what my Graduate program will be. Some of you may be confused because I took the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) last year, I had a soul crushing experience with that so I am going a different route I've decided.
All in all though, I've had a fantastic three years so far as a Resident. I am thankful for the angst that comes along with making these life changing decisions because I truly never saw this happening for me.
If you read through all of this, thank you for letting me ramble. If you didn't thanks for glancing anyway :)
MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE!!!
PS- I need to plan a trip for this year.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Mexico Reunion
It's been a little over a month since my return from Mexico. I still dream about it, I can't help but yearn to be back there every single day but I do love being back. There is nothing like the comforts of being in your own bed, and having hot running water and not waking up every morning with new mosquito bites to discover. There was no way I'd ever be able to share my 3,000+ photos from my trip so I put a video together. I'm not a professional and I did the best I could with my PC. Click here to get a little taste of my return to Mexico, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed being there and making this video.
MUCH LOVE!!!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
It's happening.
So many fantastic things have happened since getting my Permanent Residency, I'm going on three years as of May 2014. I've been lucky to have found employment as quickly as I did despite the economy, and I've gained an immeasurable appreciation for the people in my life as well as every single opportunity that has presented itself.
I'm looking back at the very first blog post, I'm happy to see I had my moments of optimism in that muddled mess. I guess it was just the very last couple years that were the most challenging, those are the ones I remember the most vividly and I wasn't a happy camper. I never thought I'd be able to talk about being undocumented as openly as I do today, but this is not the reason for this post. As a lot of you might know, today I am going to have one of the most, if not the most monumental culminations of my life. I am returning to Mexico.
Nineteen years after leaving for what I thought was another summer vacation, I am finally seeing family members that last saw me when I was a whole foot shorter. This is one experience I find myself at a loss for words. All I can say is that I can't wait to see the people I grew up with, and visit all the historically significant places in my home city, el Distrito Federal. After spending time there, I'll be going to Yucatan where I'll get to see more familiar faces, and a ton of Mayan temples as well as cenotes (click on that link, eat your heart out!)
This has been a long time coming, and it could not have come at a better time. Hopefully by the time I return, I'll have news from at least one Law School, but who knows! Whatever will be, will be. I know I am one fortunate individual and I am so thankful for having every challenge I've had and every beautiful person and experience I've had, because without all this I would not be the person I am today. I don't feel like I say it enough, thank you all, from the bottom of my heart for being as encouraging, loving and supportive as you have always been. It is people like you that make this life worth living.
I'M GOING TO MEXICO!!! (gotta finish packing now)
MUCH LOVE!!!
I'm looking back at the very first blog post, I'm happy to see I had my moments of optimism in that muddled mess. I guess it was just the very last couple years that were the most challenging, those are the ones I remember the most vividly and I wasn't a happy camper. I never thought I'd be able to talk about being undocumented as openly as I do today, but this is not the reason for this post. As a lot of you might know, today I am going to have one of the most, if not the most monumental culminations of my life. I am returning to Mexico.
Nineteen years after leaving for what I thought was another summer vacation, I am finally seeing family members that last saw me when I was a whole foot shorter. This is one experience I find myself at a loss for words. All I can say is that I can't wait to see the people I grew up with, and visit all the historically significant places in my home city, el Distrito Federal. After spending time there, I'll be going to Yucatan where I'll get to see more familiar faces, and a ton of Mayan temples as well as cenotes (click on that link, eat your heart out!)
This has been a long time coming, and it could not have come at a better time. Hopefully by the time I return, I'll have news from at least one Law School, but who knows! Whatever will be, will be. I know I am one fortunate individual and I am so thankful for having every challenge I've had and every beautiful person and experience I've had, because without all this I would not be the person I am today. I don't feel like I say it enough, thank you all, from the bottom of my heart for being as encouraging, loving and supportive as you have always been. It is people like you that make this life worth living.
I'M GOING TO MEXICO!!! (gotta finish packing now)
MUCH LOVE!!!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Human Rights Abuse on the US-Mexico Border
It's been far too long since my last post. Life has certainly gotten busier since receiving my Residency. I recently came across an interesting article I really wanted to share on facebook, but I do not like to use that space for expressing my political beliefs. This is what this space is for.
The article is titled, "Border Patrol to Keep Controversial Deadly Force Rules". Thank you Sarah Childress for writing this, PBS for publishing it, and Cuentame for sharing it. Apparently the Border Patrol has decided it is absolutely necessary to maintain the use of unbalanced force used against people fighting for their lives.
Trust me, I completely understand the Border Patrol POV. Although it is obviously extremely difficult for me to side with them when I have been on the immigrant end. It is difficult for me to understand how a rock can be much of a threat to the Border Patrol when they have so much gear to protect them like bullet proof vests, helmets, and powerful machine guns. How much damage can a rock do in comparison, and how is a bullet a comparable threat against a rock??? Shooting an 16-year boy 11 times for throwing a rock? Are you kidding me?????? That is most certainly use of unnecessary force!
Fisher, Border Patrol Chief states that the environment in which his agents work in is very different from that in which other law enforcement agencies work in, completely granted. For that same reason, wouldn't one think there is even more opportunity to avoid using unnecessary force? He says, “In many cases, unlike a concrete jungle, you have a very narrow trail and the Border Patrol agent doesn’t always have the ability to get out of the way.” Get out of the way of A ROCK? That must be one huge rock those immigrants are throwing.
It seems preposterous to me that this is being allowed. For the majority of the people crossing the border, they hardly have any belongings on their person. The people the Border Patrol is most likely using to make their case for requiring their guns to use against immigrants are the instances when they encounter criminals smuggling drugs or people who actually carry weapons of equal lethal force. With the increasing cases of abuse of force and 19 deaths since 2010, exceptions to the laws governing the use of force against immigrants certainly needs to have exceptions.
Peace.
MUCH LOVE!!!
The article is titled, "Border Patrol to Keep Controversial Deadly Force Rules". Thank you Sarah Childress for writing this, PBS for publishing it, and Cuentame for sharing it. Apparently the Border Patrol has decided it is absolutely necessary to maintain the use of unbalanced force used against people fighting for their lives.
Trust me, I completely understand the Border Patrol POV. Although it is obviously extremely difficult for me to side with them when I have been on the immigrant end. It is difficult for me to understand how a rock can be much of a threat to the Border Patrol when they have so much gear to protect them like bullet proof vests, helmets, and powerful machine guns. How much damage can a rock do in comparison, and how is a bullet a comparable threat against a rock??? Shooting an 16-year boy 11 times for throwing a rock? Are you kidding me?????? That is most certainly use of unnecessary force!
Fisher, Border Patrol Chief states that the environment in which his agents work in is very different from that in which other law enforcement agencies work in, completely granted. For that same reason, wouldn't one think there is even more opportunity to avoid using unnecessary force? He says, “In many cases, unlike a concrete jungle, you have a very narrow trail and the Border Patrol agent doesn’t always have the ability to get out of the way.” Get out of the way of A ROCK? That must be one huge rock those immigrants are throwing.
It seems preposterous to me that this is being allowed. For the majority of the people crossing the border, they hardly have any belongings on their person. The people the Border Patrol is most likely using to make their case for requiring their guns to use against immigrants are the instances when they encounter criminals smuggling drugs or people who actually carry weapons of equal lethal force. With the increasing cases of abuse of force and 19 deaths since 2010, exceptions to the laws governing the use of force against immigrants certainly needs to have exceptions.
Peace.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Have I told you lately?
Well this a long time coming.
I've been teaching English for two months now. I haven't experienced this much anxiety since I found out I wouldn't be attending the college of my choice, but from what I hear this is normal. Being in a new element is bound to be stressful.
For the past three weeks I've had the most bipolar days I've ever experienced. I love the interaction with students, I just personally feel like I don't know anything. I'm so lucky to have a boss that truly wants me to succeed. She has allowed me to open up with her and I've discovered that I do have the potential. She tells me she would not have hesitated firing me if she didn't believe I was a good teacher. Not only that, but my students I no longer teach tell me they want me back. I love it! I must be doing something right!
In my attempts to get away from teaching by searching for alternative jobs I've realized what an idiot I would be if I left this job. Every turn I take in life I am given exceptional opportunities and this is yet another. Therefore I've decided I am going to calm down (aka enable my patience capability) and truly give this teaching thing a shot.
When the real time to move on comes, something else will be there. While I'm teaching, I have an internship at a Dietitian's Private Practice. I've signed up for an online Intro to Kinesiology class to complete my A.A. Degree in Kinesiology as I've been taking classes for that long in this field. I'm also going to be taking two business classes, a Marketing and a Public Relations class. I've a ton to focus on and look forward to.
I wish you all the best, and happy holidays!
MUCH LOVE!!!
I've been teaching English for two months now. I haven't experienced this much anxiety since I found out I wouldn't be attending the college of my choice, but from what I hear this is normal. Being in a new element is bound to be stressful.
For the past three weeks I've had the most bipolar days I've ever experienced. I love the interaction with students, I just personally feel like I don't know anything. I'm so lucky to have a boss that truly wants me to succeed. She has allowed me to open up with her and I've discovered that I do have the potential. She tells me she would not have hesitated firing me if she didn't believe I was a good teacher. Not only that, but my students I no longer teach tell me they want me back. I love it! I must be doing something right!
In my attempts to get away from teaching by searching for alternative jobs I've realized what an idiot I would be if I left this job. Every turn I take in life I am given exceptional opportunities and this is yet another. Therefore I've decided I am going to calm down (aka enable my patience capability) and truly give this teaching thing a shot.
When the real time to move on comes, something else will be there. While I'm teaching, I have an internship at a Dietitian's Private Practice. I've signed up for an online Intro to Kinesiology class to complete my A.A. Degree in Kinesiology as I've been taking classes for that long in this field. I'm also going to be taking two business classes, a Marketing and a Public Relations class. I've a ton to focus on and look forward to.
I wish you all the best, and happy holidays!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Grown Up Life
Well, I'm officially an ESL teacher. Who knew it would happen so quickly??? I taught my first class on Friday and I must say it was pretty successful. I'm going to be teaching 3 different classes, a beginner, intermediate and Survival English class. It's extremely easy right now because the teacher I'm replacing planned out the next week for me. I just need to add my own pizzazz to it. I got some compliments from the students regarding my attention to detail in terms of their needs.
Now I'm spending my Sunday night planning my activities for the week. I'm really excited to plan out my own lessons, everything has panned out so perfectly so far. I couldn't be happier.
So here's to the week to come!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Now I'm spending my Sunday night planning my activities for the week. I'm really excited to plan out my own lessons, everything has panned out so perfectly so far. I couldn't be happier.
So here's to the week to come!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
What an exciting day!!
I've been a bit upset at how much I felt like my future depended on what I found out today. It had gotten to the point where this day was feeling bigger than my interview day for my Permanent Residency, and that was really pissing me off. Luckily time is great and I wasn't stressing out so much. Despite my optimism, I was prepared to hear that I couldn't leave the U.S. I even told some of my close friends I was preparing plans B and C.
Waiting in line at USCIS was pretty terrible. We didn't get to our appointment til an hour later, to find out that there are many many options available to me. So if I get a job offer for Japan, I can take it and not worry about ruining my eligibility for citizenship. Woohoo!
Second set of magnificent news, I just got a part-time teaching position offered at the English school in Santa Monica!!! Remember I interviewed for it towards the end of my TEFL Certification program and never heard anything about it after the second interview? Part time position just opened up and it has been offered to yours truly.
Life has a way to show that love, and I love it!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Waiting in line at USCIS was pretty terrible. We didn't get to our appointment til an hour later, to find out that there are many many options available to me. So if I get a job offer for Japan, I can take it and not worry about ruining my eligibility for citizenship. Woohoo!
Second set of magnificent news, I just got a part-time teaching position offered at the English school in Santa Monica!!! Remember I interviewed for it towards the end of my TEFL Certification program and never heard anything about it after the second interview? Part time position just opened up and it has been offered to yours truly.
Life has a way to show that love, and I love it!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Monday, October 1, 2012
News Happenings
It's been a while since I've presented any current events. I've become a huge fan of flipboard, it's a great way to get informed about a lot of different things at once. Last night I came across this, Brown approves driver's licenses for young undocumented immigrants. You have no idea how much happiness this brought to me at 12:09am.
This is such a great advantage to have, you no longer have your hands tied about getting around. You can work! You have an identity supported by the government! I realize these things sound silly to most of you, but these are the things you stress out about as an undocumented immigrant.
I just can't say enough how much it means to see this happening, and on top of the deferment for DREAMers right now. It's beautiful. Right now is the time for happiness for this particular population. It's too bad this is just happening now, I certainly wish it would've happened earlier, but I don't know that I could've held out this long. I'll say it again, I would change none of what has happened. Everything happens for a reason.
MUCH LOVE!!!
This is such a great advantage to have, you no longer have your hands tied about getting around. You can work! You have an identity supported by the government! I realize these things sound silly to most of you, but these are the things you stress out about as an undocumented immigrant.
I just can't say enough how much it means to see this happening, and on top of the deferment for DREAMers right now. It's beautiful. Right now is the time for happiness for this particular population. It's too bad this is just happening now, I certainly wish it would've happened earlier, but I don't know that I could've held out this long. I'll say it again, I would change none of what has happened. Everything happens for a reason.
MUCH LOVE!!!
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