Student Stories

Español | Directory | AB540 Student Resources | Cochitlehual-li | Photo Gallery | Student Stories

Name: Edgar C.
Major: Business Administration
School of Choice: San Jose State University
High School: Overfelt High School 
High School GPA: 3.5
Years at EVC: 2
Age of arrival to the US: 15
Country of Origin: Mexico
Edgar is an undocumented student with the hopes of transferring to San Jose State University and receives a degree in Business Administration. He was brought to the United States by his parents with the hopes of a better future at the age of 15. Edgar always excelled academically and although he has a quiet personality he is an advocate for undocumented student rights. After high school he didn’t know he could attend college until he met some other classmates who were also undocumented and they provided him with information so he could enroll in school. Edgar participates in an advocacy group for undocumented students and has traveled to the State Capitol to advocate for the California DREAM Act.
One of the greatest worries for Edgar as an undocumented student is the lack of resources to transfer to a university. But, his motivation to continue his education in Business Administration is to create more jobs for people and to help his family financially.  Edgar like thousands of other students have no access to a law that would help him changes his legal status. Regardless, Edgar continues to excel in school and being an advocate for AB540/undocumented students.

Name: Angelica Del Rio
Major: Paralegal
Transfer Schools of Choice: San Jose State University, San Francisco State University
High School: Lincoln High School
High School GPA: 3.8
Age of arrival to the US: 1 year old
Country of Origin: Tijuana, Mexico
Angelica’s family arrived to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Angelica’s parents hoped for their daughter to have a chance at education and a better standard of living. 

• Lack of information or given wrong information.
• Wanted to take classes at SJCC and it seemed hard to do it
• Feel outcasted because of lack of SS
• High school didn’t give undocumented students information about being undocumented and being able to attend school
• Can’t drive and doesn’t work.
• Parents concerned about using fake social
• Doesn’t want to use false information
• After graduation she wants to be a paralegal and is uncertain about not having papers and being able to work
• Finishing education and getting higher education at a university
• Scared to come out of the shadows because of fear of raids
• 5 children and only one that is undocumented
• Why only me?
• Medical - more priorities and access to resources
• 16, 12, 9, 3
• Angelica is currently interning with the OASSSIS Program and hopes to gain experience that will prepare her to get ahead in her career regardless of her status.
• Angelica likes to inform students of the opportunites they have to continue their education especially to high schools students  regardless of their legal status.
• Part of Art Honor Society at high school.