The "American Dream," is it real? As a 19-year-old Mexican whose family came to the U.S for a better life I've heard a lot about the land of dreams. Growing up I started noticing the difference from me and other kids because I am undocumented. I used to cry all the time because It's frustrating being so limited to what I can do. I remember wanting to apply for 21st century when they first offered it when I was in middle school, I was so amazed at the fact that you could have 4 years covered by a scholarship and hurried up to go apply. I was then told since I didn't have a social security I wasn't eligible to apply, this broke my heart and I felt I had no way of going to college. My parents told me as much as they want to, they can't help me pay for college. So, I put away all hope of going. When I would hear that my parents are struggling to pay bills, or I would see my friends having new shoes and clothes I would say "I wish I had a job so I can help pay things myself and not worry my parents." Since I am undocumented even with me being hardworking, I am unable to be accepted in a job. This is a big barrier that till this day I am still dealing with. Due to the fact I'm not eligible to work I've been able to volunteer with no pay, I volunteered at my college as a junior Intern admissions representative, passing out water in a marathon, among other things. In high school I was in the CNA program, I was an excellent student this is where I discovered nursing is for me. I was unable to get my CNA Certificate because I wasn't eligible to take the exam, but I knew and everybody in my class knew I would've passed. I was tired of ongoing disappointment, I decided I was no longer going to let anybody label me or tell me I can't make it to college. I started applying to as many scholarships I could. I went on a school visit to Marian University, I learned about the 2-year program at Marian University Saint Jospeh's college. God gave me the opportunity to receive a scholarship to cover the first year. I am currently in my second year, and I owe money so I've been looking for more scholarships because I am unable to pay. My passion is to become a nurse, I won't give up until I make that happen even if I have to work twice as hard than everybody. I started to see a glimpse of my American dream, please help me continue to make it possible I would truly appreciate it.