Mayra is a Dreamer

About Mayra

My name is Mayra. I came to the United States at the age of 6. I have now lived in the United States for 21 years. Currently, I work full time as a Special Education paraprofessional (teacher's assistant). I am also a college student. I'm working on my third college degree. In May of 2018, I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. A challenge I have had to overcome is accepting situations that are out of my control and knowing that having strength and fortitude will lead me to prevail in the end. I first went to college to become a nurse.

In 2011, my junior year of college, I graduated with honors with an Associates degree in Nursing. Unfortunately, I was unable to get licensed due to my immigration status. It was upsetting and embarrassing. I was embarrassed because I would see former peers working as actual nurses and I wasn't. And not because I was incapable, but merely because I was never even given the opportunity to take the NCLEX and get licensed. In 2012, I finished my senior year in college and graduated cum laude with a Bachelors degree in General Studies. Over the years, the state I reside in has changed state legislation to allow DACA recipients to receive drivers licenses, professional licenses, and certifications.

So, while the rescinding of DACA is a new challenge, I feel that because of my past experiences this time I am more ready than ever to find a way to fight for my right to become the educator I am determined to be.

Download Mayra’s and other Dreamer’s posters for print here.