People say whatever they want without knowledge

 

 

“1st amendment,” they say.

 

We are different in every way, and that’s what’s beautiful.

 

Now, Imagine walking for 10 blocks, imagine walking the whole day without stopping and just carrying a gallon of water through your journey that is waiting ahead of you.

 

Heat, sweat, dirt, tears rolling down your face, and heat exhaustion from the sun.

You’re in constant fear of getting caught by border patrol and getting sent back to your country.

 

Parents put their lives in jeopardy to go to the United States for a better job opportunity and a better education.

 

“American Dream,” they say.

 

Growing up, I've seen a lot of injustices done to minorities.

I have friends who’ve been racially profiled by police officers, who are supposed to serve and protect us but instead make us fear them.

 

“We are not criminals, everyone can be, we are not rapists, everyone can be, we are not stealers, everyone can be,” they say.

 

I've experienced first-hand what it's like to be afraid of calling the police due to the fear that my parents will be deported and I will be sent to foster care.

 

I don’t want to go home after a long day of school and not see my parents. I want to continue giving them their daily hug and a goodnight kiss.

 

I don’t want my fourteen-year-old sister to ask me why my parents are not home. I don’t want anyone to go home knowing that their support and motivation is gone.

 

How are students, children, sons and daughters supposed to perform well in school when every minute of our lives is consumed by the thought of having our families separated?  

 

Many students are already concerned about financial burdens they may carry at home or other injustices that are happening, so why should they also have to worry about their safety in a place that is supposed to be nurturing and preparing them for the future?

I am determined to honor immigrants’ sacrifices. I will not leave this country where I was born and raised; I will fight back for justice, our rights because I AM HERE TO STAY.