Hi everyone! My name is Diana and I first want to thank you for taking the time to read my story. As you may or may not be aware, I was born in Mexico City and was brought as an infant to the United States with my family with the expectation of a brighter future. I've lived my entire life in the United States, so when I was sixteen years old and trying to get my first job, I found I didn't have the necessary social security. When I applied for college during my senior year, I discovered that I was ineligible for federal financial aid, and when I tried to get my driver's license, I could not because I lacked the necessary papers. Despite all of these obstacles posed by my immigration status being a shock and disappointment during my teens, I had to figure out a way to pursue my passion of becoming a dentist while navigating how to do so as an undocumented student. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to continue further education in 2012, when President Obama announced the DACA program, an executive branch initiative that gave me a work permit, a social security number, and a reprieve from deportation.

 

I applied for dreamer scholarships and the California Dream Act after researching and contacting universities and was accepted to the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Knowing I wouldn't receive any financial assistance from my family, I began working at the age of seventeen to pay for college. To sustain myself, I balanced work and various jobs throughout my STEM courses. Throughout the years, I borrowed textbooks and took advantage of the university support facilities. After countless studying hours and stressful financial situations while in school, I graduated with a B.S. degree from UC Santa Cruz and have been granted admission to Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine for this incoming school year.

 

However, pursuing a doctorate degree as a DACA recipient is very difficult, since the government has imposed constraints on federal aid. The only way to fund my dental education which cost an average of $130,000 per year is through private educational loans with a creditworthy sustainable U.S. citizen co-signer. I've spent the last year preparing for school by applying for scholarships, volunteering, hunting for qualified co-signers, obtaining legal advice, and working more than full time. Given my limited financial resources and the fact that school is about to start, I'm starting this fund as a scholarship to help me reduce the amount of loan I'll be requesting. This will broaden the loan lender eligibility and provide financial clearance for dental school.

 

Undocumented students, like myself, have a wide range of life experiences, cultural adaptability, linguistic proficiency, and a willingness to train in neglected areas. Providing support and advocacy for DACA recipients pursuing careers in health care can help bridge the gap between the growing demand for a diverse workforce and a fairer healthcare system and professional world.

 

Thank you to my friends, family, and anyone contributing towards my goal of becoming a Dentist. Any amount of money is greatly appreciated! :)