Hurrying to the Homework Center, Blanca Falcon rushes to finish her DREAM Act application for the remaining 30 minutes before leaving to work. Shoving papers and books in her bag, Falcon runs to her mom’s car on her way to work only to repeat the same cycle; school, work, then homework.

Coming from Pericos, Sinaloa in Mexico, Falcon has come a long way. But it was a long process of learning to getwhere she’s at now. With her parents possessing only an elementary education, they sought the opportunity to come to America when Falcon was 3.

“They wanted a better life for our family, for us,” Falcon said.

Occasionally, Falcon works more than 30 hours weekly and comes back home to tons of homework from her rigorous courses. During the college application process, Falcon was hit with the news that she wasn’t eligible for FAFSA. The Falcon family was unaware of the DREAM Act and the benefits it acquires. Falcon’s older sister, Brenda Falcon, attended Stagg three years ago and graduated early with a 4.0 grade-point average. She didn’t go to college because of her limited financial sources which led her to not further her education.

“Brenda not going to college inspired me to go to college,” Falcon said.

Unable to get loans for college due to her not being a citizen is worrying Falcon. Hoping to afford college, Falcon plans on getting a higher paying summer job before school starts so she can help herself out. None of Falcon’s friends knew about the DREAM Act so she felt lost and confused on the foreign process.

English teachers Thongthip Duangsawat and Alison Lockheed are teachers that Falcon highly appreciates for the help they gave her.

“I didn’t know who to ask,” Falcon said. “Then Ms. Duangsawat began helping me.”

Lockheed offered her own laptop as a graduation gift but Falcon couldn’t accept it.

“I always thought of going to school to get a higher education,” said Falcon. “Never saw it as something I can accomplish, more like a dream.”

Now that she’s been accepted to colleges, Falcon explored her options and has now made the decision to attend San Jose State University. Although her parents don’t understand the college process, they continue to support Falcon.

“Just because I’m an immigrant doesn’t mean I can’t go to college,” Blanca said. “Because I’m an immigrant, I still have the same opportunity as anyone else.”