Hiding in Plain Sight.

I was always part of the crowd.

I became a part of the community to feel safe.

I was six months old when I crossed the border with my mother.

For almost 20 years, I still have been here in the United States without being able to visit my family in Mexico.

I am a first-generation college student immigrant.

I have been in the United States, seeing it as my home, but a home should not have its limitations.

I am limited to even the basic things or driving to class, getting financial aid outside of the institutions, getting a job on campus to help use the money for tuition, and other things.

These limits were hard because every time someone asked, "Why don't you get a job?" I cannot; it is more difficult for me as an undocumented student.

Being labeled and knowing my limits were hard at first, changing to the new environment of college life.

When starting college, I thought if I take on everything and not asking for help would be the best option. I have done that over the years, and I was close to burning out in my first year.

I thought at first that because of my situation, I had to prove to everyone, and I do, but it is just my first year, and not everything is perfect; I had to accept that.

I was able to take the step forward from the crowd and asked for help. I started counseling and meeting people that have helped me.

I can no longer be hiding; of course, I still am undocumented and have limitations, but now I do not let my obstacle define me or stop me, rather than push me to do better.

Now I am no longer hiding in plain sight.