Past Participants Praise of the CMSC's Independent Dreamer Study Abroad Program
Courtesy of Esmeralda Arias - Alumni | DEC. 24, 2023 | Photo Courtesy of Esmeralda Arias
Dear Profe Armando and the entire Cal-Mex Team,
First and foremost, I commend all of you for the community organizing and advocacy work you do for our immigrant community. It has not been an easy task, but you have been relentless in your work and have positively changed the lives of many people.
Today, on this Christmas Day, I am proud to say I am among those many people. Without your help, support, and care, I wouldn’t have been able to muster up the courage I needed to return to Mexico after 28 years! It was a life-changing opportunity that allowed me to reconnect with my biological grandparents. Through it, I gained a deeper understanding of who they are and our complex family history.
I was also able to experience Mexico’s beautiful collectivist culture and learn about its rich history, which felt so welcoming and like HOME!
Again, thank you so much! I am forever indebted to all of you! As you said, Profe, this experience has been my Christmas gift this year. But I want to add that this life has also gifted me with all of you, a set of angels, and a new family! If there is any way I can help in the future, please let me know! ¡Si se puede!
With endless love,
Esmeralda Arias
