The American Dream is often defined as the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work, determination, and initiative. For me, as a DACA recipient, the American Dream carries a weight that feels both deeply personal and intensely complicated. It’s a dream I’ve always heard about, but one that I’ve had to fight to claim, one that’s constantly at risk of being taken away. I was brought to the United States as a child, and like many others in the DACA program, I have spent most of my life here. This country is the only home I know, yet the uncertainty of my status always lingers in the background, a reminder that the American Dream is not a guarantee for everyone. Growing up, I was taught that America was the land of opportunity, where anyone could make a life for themselves, regardless of their origin. And for a long time, I believed in that promise. I saw my friends and classmates working toward their goals, and I wanted the same for myself. However, the reality of being undocumented and eventually receiving DACA is a complicated one. While DACA allows me to work legally and pursue education, the fear of losing it—and the fear of being deported—remains. The American Dream, for me, isn’t a clear, open road. It’s full of obstacles that others don’t face, even though we all start from the same place. My accomplishments don’t feel fully celebrated because the system doesn’t always see me as truly belonging here. I often have to explain my status, explain my worth, and justify my presence. I’ve worked hard to overcome these challenges. I’m in school, I have a job, and I try to contribute to my community. I am not different from other young people working toward their futures, except that my future has always been uncertain, as if a part of it is on pause until something changes. And that’s where the American Dream for someone like me becomes an ever-present question—will it always be out of reach? Will I ever be fully allowed to chase it, without the constant fear of being sent away from the only place I’ve ever considered home? To me, the American Dream is about belonging, not just about success. It’s about having the opportunity to create something for yourself, but also about being seen as equal in that pursuit. It’s about having security, not just ambition. And although I don’t know where my path will ultimately lead, I know that the American Dream is something worth fighting for, even when it feels just beyond my grasp. I’ve lived here, loved here, and worked here, and if that’s not part of the American Dream, then I’m not sure what is.

Pursuing a nursing degree as a DACA recipient is not only a personal aspiration but also a deeply rooted commitment to serving others and making a lasting impact on my community. As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, my journey has been shaped by challenges, uncertainty, and the constant desire to give back to the country that has provided me with opportunities despite the limitations placed on me by my immigration status. The road to nursing is not an easy one, but it is one that I am determined to walk because I believe that healthcare, compassion, and advocacy transcend boundaries. Growing up as a DACA recipient, I’ve always had to balance the privileges and limitations that come with my status. While I’ve had the chance to live and work in the United States, I’ve also faced the daunting realities of temporary status and the fear of deportation. Despite these struggles, I was lucky enough to experience the unwavering support of healthcare professionals during some of the most challenging times in my life. Their empathy, skill, and commitment to their patients inspired me in ways that words cannot fully express. In those moments, I realized that I, too, wanted to be someone who could bring comfort and healing to others, particularly those who may find themselves in vulnerable situations similar to my own. Being a DACA recipient has instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and empathy. I’ve had to learn how to navigate a system that, at times, feels stacked against me. But it has also taught me the importance of perseverance, determination, and, above all, the power of community. In my case, healthcare isn’t just about treating physical ailments; it’s about understanding the lived experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who may face barriers to access due to their immigration status or financial limitations. As a nurse, I aspire to not only provide high-quality care but also to advocate for those who, like me, might be overlooked or underserved. I am motivated by the desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially in underserved communities. By pursuing a nursing degree, I am equipping myself with the tools to contribute to the betterment of my community and to serve those who need it the most. I want to be a healthcare professional who advocates for equitable care and access, fighting for policies that protect vulnerable populations. As a DACA recipient, I understand the challenges that many individuals face when navigating a complex and often unwelcoming system. By becoming a nurse, I can help bridge the gap for those who feel excluded or fearful of seeking care due to their immigration status. I know firsthand what it feels like to be in a place of uncertainty, and I believe that my experiences will make me a more compassionate, understanding, and patient healthcare provider. Ultimately, my pursuit of a nursing degree is about more than just a career; it is about honoring my experiences and using them to create a better future for myself and for those around me. As a DACA recipient, I’ve had to fight for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I will continue to fight for the opportunity to serve others in a meaningful way. Nursing is not just my dream; it is my way of giving back to the community that has shaped me, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity to create a future where everyone, regardless of their immigration status, has access to the care and compassion they deserve.