I am an undocumented immigrant, and my journey has been shaped by both adversity and determination. Before I was even born, my biological father abandoned my mother and me, leaving her to raise me on her own in Mexico. Despite her best efforts, the escalating violence in our province made it impossible for us to live safely. In 2005, when I was just one year old, my mother made the difficult and courageous decision to have me smuggled into the United States, hoping to secure a brighter and safer future for us. Growing up in the United States, I faced many challenges as a non-English-speaking Hispanic child in a predominantly white area. We eventually settled in Georgia, where I encountered cultural and linguistic barriers that made everyday life a struggle. Despite these hardships, I was fortunate enough to be welcomed by my stepfather, who became a guiding figure in my life. I also became the oldest sibling of seven, taking on significant responsibilities in caring for my younger brothers and sisters while my parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Balancing these responsibilities with my struggles was incredibly difficult, but it taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of responsibility. As an undocumented resident of Georgia, I faced further obstacles when pursuing higher education. The state’s strict laws regarding undocumented students made it nearly impossible for me to be accepted into any in-state schools. After facing numerous rejections and setbacks due to my immigration status, I was eventually accepted into Delaware State University, now majoring in Aviation Management. This was a monumental achievement for me, but it also came with its own set of challenges. The financial burden of attending college as an undocumented student is immense. I currently face many of the same challenges that other undocumented students do, including the lack of insurance, a work permit, a driver’s license, and limited access to financial aid. Despite applying for DACA four years ago, my case has been frozen ever since, leaving me uncertain. However, I remain hopeful that my situation will improve and I can continue pursuing my dreams. My ultimate goal is to become a pilot, a dream that feels just out of reach because of my immigration status. However, with the help of this funding, I am confident that I can overcome these barriers and take flight—both literally and figuratively. This financial support is crucial to continuing my education and moving closer to achieving my dream. I aspire to inspire other undocumented students facing similar obstacles. I want them to know that no matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem, they can overcome them and achieve their dreams. I am determined to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my journey. I want to help pave the way for the next generation, showing them that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with perseverance, dedication, and hope.