As an undocumented student, one of the biggest challenges I face on a daily basis has always been trying to figure out how to pay for school. Everything, from tuition, books, transportation and food all add up each semester and the decision to stay in school becomes harder and harder to make. I can’t always afford to be in school, so that means taking small breaks until I have enough money to cover the cost, and always playing catch up.
With AB 131, I and other undocumented students will finally have the opportunity to focus solely on school. Living in a low-income community like East L.A., in which families prioritize making ends meat over an education, graduating from high school and being the first in your family to attend college is a momentous mile stone. AB 131 will provide the aid and opportunities for students like myself, and others to continue and finish their education. CA has supported undocumented students in the past, and now it will provide more opportunities for us to succeed.
Erick Huerta is a Journalism student at East Los Angeles Community College and a member of Dream Team Los Angeles