It takes something like this

This morning, Yazmin- a high school student with whom i keep in touch submitted this piece to us. I met Yazmin through a high school counselor this semester, she then came to a meeting and we stay in touch since then. She recceived the email about the ad just like you all did. I am happy to see the response of Jose, Lupita, Tatiana, and everybody else who has gotten on top of this issue.

I admire her character. I admire the character that you all bring to JIFM. This is why we do what we do..... Check it out:

Many people regard immigrants as “parasites”, mere subjects who invade the country only to consume and destroy the land as Harry Huang, a student at Bellaire, thinks. As parasites, we are “subservient and labor for minimum wage as janitors and maids.” From this unpleasant outlook, my dreams and aspirations become abridged from reality; this fact leaves a bitter taste of impotence; nevertheless it teaches me the values of education that come from enduring the hardship and makes me put twice as much effort to accomplish goals. Any job is respectable including those of a janitor and maid but we are capable and willing to do so much more than that.

Being an undocumented student has placed many adversities in my path. On many instances, I have thought enthusiastically about the future and of infinite ways to be somebody, only to bring myself upon a barrier too great even for my desires to overcome it. This summer, chosen out of a group of the most diligent students at an institute of math, I was expected to work as an intern for a sponsoring company to gain experience in the field of engineering. I diligently worked on my resume, I was prepared for the job interview, and everything seemed to be in place. There was only one problem: I was an illegal immigrant student. I was turned down when the director learned of my legal status. I had anticipated rejection, but knowing this opportunity is given to a small number of students, I refused to let that stop me from trying, hoping for a small fracture in the barrier. It was impossible.

Preston Wiginton in his “Petition Against HB1403” does not realize that we would be doing him a favor. Mr. Wiginton, WE make America (“Texas for Texas/America for Americans”). It is true that immigrants take jobs that are too hard for Americans, but it is also true that EDUCATED immigrants would be more productive helping boost the economy and standards of the U.S. with a wave of new ideas that the country needs, opening more doors to the world. Does it make sense to deny education to people who are willing to do WHATEVER it takes to acquire it? No, it doesn’t especially not if it means benefits for the country.

I feel deprived of opportunities, the same opportunities that AMERICAN CITIZENS waste and/or deny. Because I am confident of the potential I possess, I could not bear to be thought of as a parasite much less function as one. It is inevitable, then, to persevere and do twice of what it takes to educate myself even if it’s not the liking of an American citizen. In the future, I see myself contributing, not consuming, and creating, not destroying, as an engineer, not a maid.