June 16th 2024.
Simone Peña couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the acceptance letter from Harvard University with a full scholarship. She was getting ready to go clean houses with her parents, a routine they had been doing in the evenings and weekends for as long as she could remember. But on this particular day, the excitement of her acceptance letter made her forget about their job and focus on the life-changing news.
She was frozen, staring at the computer screen for a few minutes until her mother's hug snapped her out of her daze. With tears in their eyes, the three of them celebrated a moment they never thought was possible. The journey from their small town in Mexico to Chicago, where they had immigrated four years ago to escape the violence of the cartels, had been tough. And now, here they were, celebrating Simone's acceptance to one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
But their joy was short-lived as they had to get back to their evening job, which was their main source of income. As they went about their cleaning routine, there was a sense of triumph and gratitude in the air. They had come a long way, and this moment served as a reminder of their strength and resilience as a family.
Despite her success at Harvard, Simone still returns home during school breaks to help her parents clean houses. As an undocumented immigrant, she faces numerous challenges, including being denied internships and job opportunities due to her immigration status. She worries that her hard-earned degree may not be worth much if she can't get a job permit.
"It's a constant worry for me," Simone shared. "But what worries me more is my parents' future. They have sacrificed so much for us, and I want to be able to take care of them."
Simone's story sheds light on the struggles faced by young undocumented immigrants and their families in the United States. Despite being high achievers and contributing to the country's economy, their future remains uncertain due to bureaucratic barriers and political inaction. But amidst the uncertainty, there is hope, and Simone's story serves as a beacon of hope for many.
On June 7, Simone spoke at a gathering of political and business leaders, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. She shared her story publicly for the first time, and the overwhelming support and applause from the audience was a powerful reminder that she was not alone.
While Simone had confided in some of her mentors about her immigration status during high school, she mostly kept it a secret out of fear of judgment and shame. But as she navigated life at Harvard, she realized that she needed to embrace her reality and use it as a source of empowerment.
"I'm done living in the shadows," Simone said confidently. "My parents and I deserve to be recognized and given a chance to work legally in a country that we have already contributed to."
For the past two years, Simone has been turned away from various opportunities at Harvard due to her immigration status. Each rejection is a blow to her hopes and dreams, but she finds solace in her mother's comforting embrace.
"After every 'no,' I call my mom," Simone shared. "She reminds me that God has a bigger plan for me and that each rejection will lead me to a 'yes.'"
The decision to leave their home in Mexico was not an easy one for the Peña family. But with the rising violence and economic struggles, they had no choice. Simone's father, Epifanio, was a highly educated accountant in Mexico, but when he lost his job, they were forced to leave their home and seek a better life in the United States.
"It was a difficult decision, but the safety and well-being of my family were my top priority," Epifanio explained in Spanish.
With the help of a friend, he found a job in a construction company in Chicago. It was a far cry from his office job in Mexico, but he was grateful for the opportunity to provide for his family. The Peña family now lives in the Irving Park neighborhood in Chicago, and they continue to work hard to make ends meet.
Most evenings, after his full-time job, Epifanio and his wife, Beatriz, clean buildings and houses to supplement their income. Beatriz also worked as a parent mentor, but her job ended when they asked for a valid Social Security number.
Simone, along with her mother and sister, often joins her parents in their cleaning jobs. It's not easy, but they do it with pride and determination, knowing that their hard work and sacrifices will lead them to a better future.
As Simone continues her studies at Harvard, she remains hopeful for immigration reform that will allow her to fully pursue her dreams and take care of her family. Her story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for change and the resilience and strength of undocumented immigrants in the face of adversity.
Simone Peña's day had been like any other, filled with school and then heading out to clean houses with her parents, just like she did most evenings and weekends. As she was getting ready to leave, she decided to check her email and saw a message that would change her life forever. She had been accepted to Harvard with a full scholarship. She couldn't believe her eyes and just stared at the computer screen in shock. It took a few minutes for it to sink in, and then she couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She turned to her mother, who was about to hug her, and whispered, "I got in." The two of them were overcome with emotion, and even her father joined in on the celebration. It was a moment they never thought would be possible for their family.
But as much as they wanted to bask in this incredible news, they still had to go to their evening job. Cleaning houses was their family's livelihood, and they couldn't afford to miss a day of work. As they went about their usual routine, there was an underlying feeling of triumph, a quiet acknowledgment of the incredible journey they had taken together. Four years ago, they had made the difficult decision to leave their hometown in Mexico and immigrate to the United States, fleeing the violence of the cartels. And now, here they were, with their daughter accepted into one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Despite her impressive achievements, Simone still faced challenges due to her immigration status. As a rising junior at Harvard, she had been repeatedly denied internships and other programs. She even worried that her degree may not be worth it if she couldn't find a job due to her status. Her struggle shed light on the harsh realities faced by young undocumented immigrants and their families in the United States. Their future and dreams were constantly threatened by bureaucratic red tape and political gridlock. However, in the midst of this uncertainty, her story also served as a beacon of hope, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Recently, Simone had the opportunity to speak at an event alongside political and business leaders, advocating for immigration reform. She shared her story publicly for the first time, and the room erupted in applause and support. It was a moment of empowerment for Simone, who had kept her immigration status a secret for fear of judgment and shame. But as she navigated life at Harvard, she realized that she needed to embrace her reality and use it to empower herself, rather than let it define her.
However, for Simone's parents, the fear and uncertainty continued. They had made the difficult decision to leave their home in Mexico six years ago, after her father lost his job and they were forced to leave their home. The violence of the cartels was also a major factor in their decision. Although it was a tough choice, they knew it was the best for their family's safety and future. Her father, a graduate of a prestigious university in Mexico, now worked in construction, and her mother, who had previously worked as a parent mentor, now helped clean buildings and houses with her husband to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, the Peña family remained grateful for the opportunities they had in the United States. They were determined to make the most of it, and Simone's acceptance to Harvard was a testament to their hard work and sacrifices. As she continued to pursue her dreams, Simone also hoped for a better future for her and her family, one where they could work legally and be acknowledged in the country they were already contributing to.
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