My Affirmations
by Litzi

1. I persevere. Being identified as DACA has secured my education and created a pathway to work. I can’t get federal aid, but being valedictorian at my high school helped me get into college. Even though the decision on DACA hasn’t been made by the Supreme Court yet, I still continue my education. I continue to push through school with personal barriers, but I persevere because I know it’ll all be worth it in the end.

2. I have an impact. I’m currently a part of a committee in DC where we make sure that resources created for youth do their job of assisting youth. We continue to make resources and programs to eventually make homelessness nonexistent for youth in DC.

3. I beat the odds. Becoming a coauthor at the age of 16 is something not many people can say. I’m currently a co author of 4 books with one published Op Ed in the Washington Post. I identify as a Latina who not only graduated valedictorian of her high school, but will also graduate debt free from college because of the scholarships.

4. I believe. Change is something that happens because of people who create it and I am determined to use my voice along with others to make sure changes are made. With the injustice going on, I make sure that I get involved from donating to signing petitions. Everything I do is to create a better future for us. I believe that we can change the system if we continue to fight for what is right. 

5. I can do better. One thing I love is knowing that all the great things I’ve done are just affirmations of what is to come. With my political science degree, I’ll be a policy analyst, ensuring that policies and laws are created for communities that matter.