“Be the person you needed when you were younger.”
Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of 2019 for me thus far, has been being able to found the Thriving Community Scholarship at Paramount High School, where I graduated from.
In 2010, I graduated from Paramount High and during my senior year of high school, I didn’t really know many others who were undocumented. Much less, anyone who was attending or had graduated from college. During this period in my life, I often found myself wishing I had someone who could guide me through this journey.
The Thriving Community Scholarship seeks to empower undocumented graduating seniors at Paramount High School to pursue higher education and become involved in their communities. The scholarship also aims to build community by mentoring undocumented young people and demonstrating that they can thrive regardless of status.
Before founding the scholarship, I often found myself reflecting on the almost ten years since I graduated from high school. During those ten years, I was fortunate to have access to the pursuit of a college degree, have been able to work in Washington, DC advocating for immigrant rights, and have been able to help my parents financially.
Because I have been extremely fortunate in my journey, I see this current moment in time as my time to pay it forward.
I find myself in a stage in my life where I can be the person I needed when I was younger – for someone else.
The scholarship is for Paramount High School graduating seniors who are undocumented and will be attending a community college, California State University, University of California, vocational/trade/technical schools or an accredited private university in the Fall of 2019. Scholarship money is intended to pay tuition, fees, books and supplies for the 2019-2020 school year.
Through the power of community, $3,000 was fundraised and three recipients were selected.
Each received $1,000 and started their freshman year in the Fall. They will be attending Cerritos Community College, California State University, Long Beach and University of California, Los Angeles, respectively.
Now more than ever, I believe there is a need to guide young undocumented people through the process of navigating the higher education system, introducing them to our networks, and building community through storytelling among other undocumented people.
I know first-hand how lonely and scary life after high school, for someone who is undocumented, can be.
My hope is that by providing an opportunity – however small that may be, immigrant youth within my community will feel supported.
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