“When I was two years old, my mother left Mongolia for a job opportunity, and a better means to provide for our family. It was heartbreaking being away from her. Even though I was young, I understood why she had to leave. Two years later, my immigration story began, with the promise of going to Disney World and seeing my mom again.
At the time, I didn’t know or care what Disney World was. But if it meant seeing my mom again, I was all up for the challenges. When I got to the United States, it was a culture shock — everything was different from what I’ve known, but I was happy to see my mom again after two years. I was told that this would be temporary, but as time went on, we stayed. I was starting to miss the rest of my family in Mongolia.
I was scared to tell my parents and didn’t have the courage to speak up. I was old enough to have my heart split in half, yet wise enough to take on what was next for me. From that day on, I was undocumented in the United States.
I soon learned about DACA, an immigration reform policy that understood the untold narratives and rich potential inherent in immigrant youth. With this policy, I didn’t feel alone. I had a whole community that understood what it meant to come from a different country as a child. We didn’t truly have a say and just wanted to make our families happy. The Dream Project emerged as a crucial support system in my journey, providing vital financial and communal support in my education. I didn’t know that they could help me go to college and create a career for myself. From earning a degree in Information Technology at George Mason University to excelling in sports with a Mongolian American football team , I symbolized the power of perseverance.
My journey came full circle when I returned to Mongolia after two decades, reigniting my connection to my roots and bridging my past and present. My story wouldn’t have been possible without DACA and the Dream Project, providing me with resources and information to achieve goals that I was unable to do back in Mongolia. I aspire to be a voice to future DACA recipients and help support them as they accomplish their dreams.
My path, inspired by my adopted home and my cultural hertiage, has become a symbol of perseverance, community reinforcement, and faith. Paired with the foundation placed by the Dream Project, this is a shining example of hope and the transformative potential of educational advocacy.”
Zamilan graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Information Technology (IT) in May of 2022. He recently served as a teaching assistant at the Mongolian School in D.C. and a Patrol Leader of the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a former Campaign Fellow for Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in 2017.
