Guatemala has one of the lowest rates of average life expectancy, educational levels, and income, not just in Central America, but in the world. Anderson bravely fled Guatemala to seek safety, security, and opportunities in the US. He is now a Dream Scholar and an outstanding student at George Mason University, majoring in Computer Science. Recently, he shared his story with us–
Meet Anderson
“The best words of advice I’ve ever received were, “We are unable to control the circumstances we grow up in. Yet, we have to keep on moving. Regardless of what we do, we will find our end, so live life the best you can because we live once and die multiple times as time itself flies.”
I left Guatemala six years ago. On our way through Mexico, we had to hide and travel in the darkness of the night. Some places we stayed were extremely hot and humid. When we did eat, the food was often rotten. The majority of the time, the vehicles we were in were packed and as soon as we stopped, we would have to run. The longest trip was a two-day drive in a truck with poor hygiene conditions. When we finally arrived at the border, we crossed the river with vague instructions on what to do next. We walked four hours before being caught by the border patrol.
“I Needed to Make Opportunities for Myself.”
I made that hard journey to the US because I had limited educational support and opportunities. I could only attend school one day a week. It was difficult to take it seriously. I wanted to have an opportunity to change. Besides, I believe I took this chance without much thinking, demonstrating how reckless my behavior was and how I needed to change and make opportunities for myself.
When I arrived in the US, the most notorious challenge was the language barrier. I arrived with little to no English skill. But, as I slowly learned English with the help of my classmates and a teacher, I was able to get to a safe space where I started to learn more and increased the difficulty of my classes. Since the pandemic, I had lost my ability to speak confidently in public due to the social seclusion many people had during that time. It became difficult for me to actually speak to someone and not be nervous. However, with the help of some teachers and their ability to keep students engaged, I was able to get confidence and speak to classmates and other people whom I had never talked to. And now, my favorite class at George Mason University has been a communications class because I find it interesting how communication has become a powerful tool used in society as a way to persuade people and share ideas.
My journey has taught me that change will come, however we all have the power to change what route to walk and what role to take. After college, I dream of moving around the world, working remotely, and owning a small business. Specifically, I want to visit different countries and not worry about being unable to work.
If I could share advice to my younger self, it would be to keep learning, and gain experience by doing, not watching.
The Dream Project has given me the push and opportunity I needed to start a new journey. It has provided me with financial support that was difficult for me to get. It has given me unique experiences through every event I have been to either as a guest or a volunteer. And the Dream Project demonstrates that I am not the only individual who is going through this process. I am not alone.”
The Dream Project is built by students like Anderson. Your donation to the Dream Project directly impacts immigrant students in Virginia, helping pave the way to a stronger community and a better country.
