Help me go to Harvard

Today I am humbled to say I've accomplished something beyond my wildest dreams: I have been accepted into Harvard University for a master's degree in Education Policy and Analysis. However, due to my undocumented status, I don’t have the authorization to work or receive federal financial aid. Even considering the amount of scholarships offered, the cost of attendance is beyond my possibilities at a 25K budget.

At age 13,  I never saw myself speak English. I used to seat in class with my hands trembling, only perceiving gibberish around me. It was my first day in an American school and one of my teachers left me standing at his door demanding the change of my schedule having several voices translating for me at once. I stayed up almost everyday trying to teach myself English on top of the class material. When my science teacher, Mrs. Anderson-Tate, publicly recognized my effort for earning the highest grade on the midterm exam- a 92- I knew I did not have to be afraid to dream big.

In high school, I promised myself I would graduate top of my class to attend a nice university. Nonetheless, during my senior year this dream was crushed. I was misinformed by my counselor that attending a public university was not possible due to my immigration status. My fate changed when I met Viridiana Carrizales, co-founder of ImmSchools, a nonprofit organization in Dallas, TX, and she informed me I was protected by the Senate Bill 1528 and I was able to go to college regardless of my status. A few days later, I was fortunate to have won four generous scholarships from my school district to help me cover my first two years in Texas A&M University. 

In Texas A&M, I continued to be that “unique case” (as my advisor called it) where the only people I could rely on for guidance were my Spanish professors. In spite of that, I graduated early, in three years, with a double degree in International Studies and Spanish with triple honours- Cum Laude, Research Scholar, and with Departmental Honors- becoming the first person in my family to graduate college.

I have become a role model in that any aspiration can come to be without the “need” of a legal immigration status nor forgetting our cultural roots.I am the oldest of four children and have become an example to follow to not only my brothers, but to my undocumented latinx community as well. A depiction of what we can do. Representing my community as well as other minoritized students in the U.S. by making advancements towards inclusive education policies is my life purpose.

 

Any amount towards this cause is immensely appreciated. Now, more than ever, I am determined to blaze trails for those who continue to come after me.

Sincerely,

 

Ari Pacheco.