YOU give Dreamers the wings to fly! We wanted to share a letter from one of our amazing Dream Project alum that demonstrates the impact of your support.
Dear Friends,
Sometimes when I look back at my journey from my birth country of El Salvador to my present-day in the US, it is a bit surreal to see where I am today. There were many times I dreamed of accomplishing various life milestones that, due to many immigration limitations, felt like a faint wish and now they have happened.
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, I faced another obstacle. When I graduated in 2020, I realized the aerospace field is almost exclusively restricted to US Citizens, which along with the pandemic, had greatly reduced my job opportunities at the time. Therefore, I took a service job working for UPS while I independently transitioned to software engineering in search of career opportunities. Though it took over a year and hundreds of job applications, I am very blessed with my current role–in software development, at Freddie Mac–where I can lead as a Dreamer and first-generation college professional.
“The Dream Project has been a cornerstone in my journey from high school, college, and current professional life.”
-Manuel, Dream Scholar Alum
When Dreams Take Flight
I’m finding balance in my life while pursuing additional aspirations and dreams. I love to read and do outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. I think nature provides a great escape to enjoy life aside from our regular work routines. Additionally, I am in the process of obtaining my pilot’s license. It has long been a childhood dream of mine to be a pilot. That, which was once only a thought, now seems to be materializing.
The Dream Project has been a cornerstone in my journey from high school, college, and current professional life. The Dream Project Scholarship provided an essential financial supplement for my bachelor’s degree; I would not have been able to attend college without it. Equally important, the Dream Project has provided a community of mentors and advocates for Dreamers like me. I am eternally grateful for the mentors that have encouraged me, fought for my rights, and lifted me up during many battles that are all too familiar within the immigrant community. I cannot thank the Dream Project and its members enough.
-Manuel, Dream Scholar Alum
The sky is the Limit
Thanks to the strong support of our amazing community, this year, in addition to continuing our mentoring and support programs, the Dream Project was able to award renewable scholarships of $3,000 to 100 stellar scholars! Your kindness and generosity helped many students like Manuel remember that the sky is the limit and no dream is unattainable.
