My Undocu Life

30/03/2023

El Soñador has been officially selected for the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 2023

Super excited to see it premiere in Seattle April 28th, 2023 and virtually as well!

Shout out to the great crew that made this possible and my family for their bravery.

—————————

El Soñador ha sido seleccionado oficialmente para el Festival Nacional de Cine para Jóvenes con Talento (NFFTY) 2023

¡Súper emocionado de verlo estrenarse en Seattle el 28 de abril de 2023 y virtualmente también!

Gracias al gran equipo que hizo esto posible y a mi familia por su valentía.

13/05/2022

Hello everyone! It's been quite some time now, but I haven't forgotten about the website. Simply continuing to balance my time into many different projects. Click the link to read more about everything that's been happening!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Hello everyone! It’s been quite some time now, but I haven’t forgotten about the website. Simply continuing to balance my time into many different projects. I’ve done some work with some nonprofits to create some website experiences with voter engagement in English/Span...

18/01/2022

Feliz año nuevo (Happy new year)! It's been a while since I've set time aside to write a post and I thank everyone that has been reading previous content in the meantime.

I wanted to drop a few tidbits of what I've been keeping busy with.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Feliz año nuevo (Happy new year)! It’s been a while since I’ve set time aside to write a post and I thank everyone that has been reading previous content in the meantime. I wanted to drop a few tidbits of what I’ve been keeping busy with.

16/11/2021

Hello again! It’s been awhile since I’ve been here. Life sometimes gets ahead of us and I am finally able to catch a break. A couple of months ago I visited my parents in Florida. It is always nice to see them but something about this visit was different.

Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s been awhile since I’ve been here. Life sometimes gets ahead of us and I am finally able to catch a break. A couple of months ago I visited my parents in Florida. It is always nice to see them but something about this visit was different.

02/08/2021

It is time to use our platform, My Undocu Life, for further good. The profit of this merchandise campaign will go towards United We Dream's Advocacy Efforts. Thanks to the great design help from our peer and friend Nathasya with Love Simply.

Reading Time: 2 minutes It is time to use our platform, My Undocu Life, for further good. The profit of this merchandise campaign will go towards United We Dream’s Advocacy Efforts. Thanks to the great design help from our peer and friend Nathasya with Love Simply.

18/07/2021

Milly, my dear friend was featured in the book, “Keeping the Faith,” a collection of reflections from several authors on Politics and Christianity during the 2016 – 2020 presidency edited by Jonathan P. Walton, Suzie Lahoud, and Sy Hoekstra.

With the announcement from Texas on DACA this week I found it comforting to reread her passage on "Restaurando Esperanza." We stand together in good and bad.

Reading Time: 6 minutes Milly, my dear friend was featured in the book, “Keeping the Faith,” a collection of reflections from several authors on Politics and Christianity during the 2016 – 2020 presidency edited by Jonathan P. Walton, Suzie Lahoud, and Sy Hoekstra. With the announc...

09/07/2021

How many of y'all want to own a house, apartment, tiny home, mansion, or anything real estate? I sure do.

Reading Time: 2 minutes How many of y’all want to own a house, apartment, tiny home, mansion, or anything real estate? I sure do.

15/06/2021

There are some things that I was told before starting a job that not everyone has the privilege of hearing. With that in mind I wanted to compile a list of pro-tips that can be essential to a successful career in ANY job. Some may be job-specific but I'll try to give you the essentials in a way that can be applicable in all roles.

Reading Time: 2 minutes There are some things that I was told before starting a job that not everyone has the privilege of hearing. With that in mind I wanted to compile a list of pro-tips that can be essential to a successful career in ANY job. Some may be job-specific but I’ll try to give yo...

08/04/2021

Advocacy Opportunity:
Sign-on to Support the Dream Act! A group of Dreamers and alumni from TheDream.US are writing to the Senate in support of the Dream Act of 2021, and they are asking for your support. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and all allies are invited to sign the letter and share it with your networks. The letter will be sent this week, but the deadline to sign-on is rolling.

Reading Time: < 1 minute Advocacy Opportunity: Sign-on to Support the Dream Act! A group of Dreamers and alumni from TheDream.US are writing to the Senate in support of the Dream Act of 2021, and they are asking for your support.

08/03/2021

It’s now been seven months since I made the life-altering decision to leave the United States. Honestly, there are still some days where it hasn’t fully sunk in. I’m still processing the plethora of emotions. As someone who lived as an undocumented, then DACAmented immigrant in the U.S., this was not something I took lightly as it would mean I would not see my family and friends for an undetermined amount of time.

Reading Time: 5 minutes It’s now been seven months since I made the life-altering decision to leave the United States. Honestly, there are still some days where it hasn’t fully sunk in. I’m still processing the plethora of emotions. As someone who lived as an undocumented, then DACAmented immi...

01/03/2021

What I have to teach is nothing new, nothing groundbreaking, and nothing overly complicated. I am also far from a pro at genealogy but perhaps what I have to advise will come in handy. How did I get this far? Some luck as a lot of my ancestors were indexed in records; however, finding the indexed records is part of the puzzle.

Reading Time: 15 minutes We will explore how I found my ties to the Guachichil tribe through my 7th great grandparents in a baptism record from 1720 of my 7th great aunt, Raphaela de los Angeles.

18/01/2021

A lot has happened since this blog site first opened up to the back in November of 2019. I can thankfully say that the road ahead seems a lot less bumpy for myself and many of the readers and supporters of this My Undocu Life.

Reading Time: 2 minutes A lot has happened since this blog site first opened up to the back in November of 2019. I can thankfully say that the road ahead seems a lot less bumpy for myself and many of the readers and supporters of this My Undocu Life.  You can read the intro to the blog here:&nb...

19/11/2020

Many of my fellow Native Americans from south of the U.S. border suffer from an identity crisis when I reveal the truth of their race; many “Hispanics” and “Latinx” are Native American. This has been acknowledged by past historical figures. Take note of Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Alexander von Humboldt in April 1811 regarding Mexicans:

“All former Spanish colonies are now in insurrection. What kind of government will they establish…have they mind enough to place their domesticated Indians on a footing with the whites?” (History of Mexico 23)

Reading Time: 12 minutes Many of my fellow Native Americans from south of the U.S. border suffer from an identity crisis when I reveal the truth of their race; many “Hispanics” and “Latinx” are Native American.

06/11/2020

How do you feel? Are you okay? These are some of the questions I received before and after November 3rd. I had no idea how to answer except just saying “I am okay.” Mostly because I would probably go down a rabbit hole, which I didn’t think would do anyone any good. It would make me more stressed and others feel more overwhelmed. I felt like unless you are in my shoes, you won’t understand.

Reading Time: 7 minutes How do you feel? Are you okay? These are some of the questions I received before and after November 3rd. I had no idea how to answer except just saying “I am okay.” Mostly because I would probably go down a rabbit hole, which I didn’t think would do anyone any good. It ...

03/11/2020

Dear Undocu Community and allies,
I am writing to you during these sleepless days before knowing the 2020 Election results. I am undocumented; a Dreamer with DACA. My anxiety has kept me awake, along with deep thoughts of what will happen if either candidate is elected. I have created a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C to help ease my uncertainty.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Dear Undocu Community and allies, I am writing to you during these sleepless days before knowing the 2020 Election results. I am undocumented; a Dreamer with DACA. My anxiety has kept me awake, along with deep thoughts of what will happen if either candidate is elected. I hav...

19/10/2020

Dear Undocumented Friends and Allies,

What a time to be alive. It seems that we cannot and really should not escape the reality we find ourselves in. Immigration has fallen to the wayside this election year, and we have yet to hear either candidate discuss how they are going to approach the solution to fix our broken immigration system.

Reading Time: 3 minutes Dear Undocumented Friends and Allies, What a time to be alive. It seems that we cannot and really should not escape the reality we find ourselves in. Immigration has fallen to the wayside this election year, and we have yet to hear either candidate discuss how they are going....

04/09/2020

DACA Renewal Resources:

Self-preparation guide by Immigrants Rising
Financial Assistance for DACA Renewal Fee
Additional Resources
#2020

Reading Time: 1 minute Self-preparation Guide By Immigrants Rising Steps to Renew DACA Financial Assistance for DACA Renewal Fee Link: Dreamer DACA Renewal Loans RAICES: https://www.raicestexas.org/daca-fee-assistance-application/ Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa are waiving fees until September 30,...

02/09/2020

In high school, I remarked that I must be over 50% Aztec or some other indigenous group. After all, my mother gave birth to me in Mexico, and I looked quite native with my deeply tan skin and thick, black hair. My acquaintances chuckled, their eyes narrowing with disbelief.

Reading Time: 8 minutes Read this article in Spanish: Feature: ¿Hispano o Latino? Intentemos Nativo Americano In high school, I remarked that I must be over 50% Aztec or some other indigenous group. After all, my mother gave birth to me in Mexico, and I looked quite native with my deeply tan skin a...

17/08/2020

Hi everyone, I have the wonderful pleasure to introduce a wonderful new contributor to My Undocu Life! Please, make her feel welcomed, Milly Aquije. I had the great privilege to meet Milly a few months ago but I already feel like I've known her for much longer. Milly will go above and beyond to make sure you're doing well and offer her support in more ways than one.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Hi everyone, I have the wonderful pleasure to introduce a wonderful new contributor to My Undocu Life! Please, make her feel welcomed, Milly Aquije. I had the great privilege to meet Milly a few months ago but I already feel like I’ve known her for much longer. Milly wi...

30/07/2020

Butterflies are known as a symbol of transformation because of the process of metamorphosis. Before sharing my story, I felt as if I was in a cocoon. I have long awaited my liberation. Now that I've shared my story, I finally feel free.
I usually tend to stay away from oversharing my personal life on social media.

Reading Time: 5 minutes Butterflies are known as a symbol of transformation because of the process of metamorphosis. Before sharing my story, I felt as if I was in a cocoon. I have long awaited my liberation. Now that I’ve shared my story, I finally feel free. I usually tend to stay away from....

29/07/2020

30/06/2020

Welcome Francesca Milagros Donayre
Hello!
I was born in Lima, Peru. I was 7 when I first got to the US. I lived in New York for two years and then later moved to Wilmington, NC. I’ve been here ever since.
https://myundoculife.com/2020/06/30/welcome-francesca-milagros-donayre/

Reading Time: 2 minutes Hello everyone, I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these times.  Today, I have the wonderful pleasure of introducing My Undocu Life’s newest contributors, Francesca Milagros Donayre. I recently met Francesca and we connected on many subjects. I am super...

18/06/2020

Earlier this year I found the Latinx in Tech organization Techqueria. I was lucky to meet Carlos Salgado, a young DACAmented individual in tech. He is a successful software engineer working for Team Treehouse, an e-learning platform.
https://myundoculife.com/2020/06/18/carlos-salgado-software-engineer/

Reading Time: 8 minutes Earlier this year I found the Latinx in Tech organization Techqueria. I was lucky to meet Carlos Salgado, a young DACAmented individual in tech. He is a successful software engineer working for Team Treehouse, an e-learning platform. Immediately I wanted to learn as much as I...

13/05/2020

Where do I fit in? Who am I really?
Have you ever asked yourself this?
I have. Sometimes every day. If you have ever seen the movie Selena you have definitely heard the phrase “we gotta be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Ameri
https://myundoculife.com/2020/05/13/where-do-i-fit-in-who-am-i-really/

Reading Time: 3 minutes Have you ever asked yourself this?  I have. Sometimes every day. If you have ever seen the movie Selena you have definitely heard the phrase “weRead More

06/05/2020

Hello fellow readers! Today I have the great honor and pleasure to welcome My Undocu Life's newest contributor, Barbara Contreras. I've recently connected with Barbara and was blown away by her story and her accomplishments. She has expressed interest on writing a couple of articles about herself, and her aspirations. She is also excited to share about other topics including, but not limited to, mental health awareness, immigration advocacy, and career readiness. [ 328 more words ]
https://myundoculife.com/2020/05/06/welcome-barbara-contreras/

Reading Time: 2 minutes Hello fellow readers! Today I have the great honor and pleasure to welcome My Undocu Life’s newest contributor, Barbara Contreras. I’ve recently connected with Barbara and was blown away by her story and her accomplishments. She has expressed interest on writing a...

09/04/2020

Share Your Story
I've dreamt that my blog could become more than just mine and host stories from around the US and maybe in the future around the globe.
https://myundoculife.com/2020/04/09/share-your-story/

Reading Time: < 1 minute First, kudos to my great friend Eriana Gonzalez for this post’s featured image.  I’ve dreamt that my blog could become more than just mine and hostRead More

03/04/2020

Recursos en español sobre COVID-19

Solicitar recursos financieros (Request financial resources)

Para Donar (To donate)

Infografias en Español (Infographics in Spanish)

Recursos adicionales (Additional resources): Organización Enlace Varias

https://myundoculife.com/2020/04/02/recursos-en-espanol-sobre-covid-19/

Reading Time: 2 minutes Solicitar recursos financieros (Request financial resources) Solicitar recursos en especie (Request resources in kind) Para donar (To donate) Infografias en Español (Infographics in Spanish) Recursos adicionales (Additional resources) Solicitar recursos financieros (Request ...

17/02/2020

After my recent post on Facebook I received a lot of questions around why I haven't "simply" just applied to get citizenship. Citizenship meaning naturalization. The requirements are nicely listed on USCIS' website as follows: [ 1,865 more word ]
https://myundoculife.com/2020/02/17/why-havent-i-applied-for-citizenship-yet/

Reading Time: 8 minutes Intro Green Card Eligibility My Pathways to Citizenship Citizenship through Marriage to a US Citizen Citizenship through Military Service Thank You Intro After my recent postRead More

08/02/2020

I shared this first on Facebook and then Instagram. I wanted to put it on my blog site as well. tldr; A vote for Donald Trump is a vote against my future. Think of those in less fortunate circumstances and vote in their best interest, please. The attached image is my reality. I live with an expiration date on my ability to contribute to the US. [ 419 more words ]
https://myundoculife.com/2020/02/07/my-harsh-reality-and-700000-others/

Reading Time: 2 minutes I shared this first on Facebook and then Instagram. I wanted to put it on my blog site as well. tldr; A vote for Donald TrumpRead More

04/02/2020

I've compiled information useful to voting. It has recently become a really important passion of mine. This is how change can happen. Do not lose faith and get those around you out to vote. This following tools is brought to you thanks to Vote.org. Share with friends freely! Please, visit Vote.org's site directly for more information. Register to Vote… [ 47 more words ]
https://myundoculife.com/2020/02/03/your-vote-your-voice/

Reading Time: < 1 minute I’ve compiled information useful to voting. It has recently become a really important passion of mine. This is how change can happen. Do not lose faithRead More