As I enter my fourth semester at Brandeis, I realize how college is full of decisions—decisions that only you can make. Decisions about writing that paper a week in advance, a day before the deadline, or simply not do it at all. Decisions about your major(s) and/or minor(s). Decisions about doing laundry vs. I can wear this stinky shirt a third time. Everywhere you go and whatever you do in college has been a decision made by you and only you.
This semester many first-time decisions are occurring to me that it triggers me to think how much control I have over my own life—a lot indeed. One of them was deciding to change one of my majors from Comparative Literature and Culture to Sociology, a big change that shocked and even infuriated my parents—they are just worried about me living under a bridge after I graduate. Yet I explained to them the differences between acquiring a degree here in the US vs. one in Colombia. Here in the US a degree applies to many fields, but it is not of their common knowledge and it should be understandable, it’s first-generation students’ problem for sure.
Now they are more calm about the decision I have made despite their initial refusal. But it is not the only decision I have made in the three weeks of the semester. I have decided in trying to transfer, not because I hate my current school, but because it’s the last chance I would have to transfer, being a 2nd semester sophomore year. I feel the need for a change, a few friendships have estranged and other have gone on to transfer as well. I do not feel the pressure of “They are doing it; I need to do it as well.” It’s more like a hit or miss game. I want destiny for once to make a decision for me. Hence, if I get in to the school I am applying, I’ll do the transfer, if not it’s a sign I must stay here.
If you are reading this, you must be thinking I am delusional. Regardless of what I say, I would still be making the decision to transfer myself, since I would have the option to remain at Brandeis vs. the new institution. You may be right.
And the thing is that I the idea of me taking decision scares me. This week, I found myself in a painful conundrum. I am scheduled to go on this trip to Israel this month, nevertheless, Trump’s Executive Order came out and then I learned this rumor from an immigration lawyer that Brandeis brought, that ten more countries were at risk of being banned, including my homeland Colombia.
As a permanent resident, I used to feel safe and secure. If I wanted to leave the country without hesitating that my entrance would be contingent on a new law that all of a sudden could ban me from returning to where I legally reside never crossed my mind. It’s the most absurd thing I have heard. Thus, the whole dilemma has been swirling in my mind this entire week. Should I go vs. not going.
In fact, the event I decided to go was hosted for all Brandeis’ staff, faculty, and students, who were uncertain of their situation and whether leaving the country was a safe choice or not. The lawyer of which I mention did not have many good news to tell us. She said that DACA students should not consider applying to renew their status because it could be a waste of money and time, since Trump threats to end it, just as he is doing with many of President Obama’s previous policies.
Nonetheless, despite all this murky news of discouragement, I encourage you to continue pursuing an education. Many people are with you, I am with you, colleges across the nation still want you. Trust me, with an education, you can go anywhere you want to. Education will be your secured citizenship for you to navigate the world. Do not be afraid; only be ready to educate yourself and work hard.
I have a lot of friends who are undocumented and on DACA who attend Brandeis, and they know that the degree the earn here will open new doors for them in the future, regardless of unknowing where they will be after they graduate. A degree is forever.
Stay strong; stay a fighter.
Best,
Santiago Montoya