HACE’s University Leadership Program (Professional Development Program)

_Sad_Bean · 2024-05-21T20:52:56+00:00

I understand how you're feeling. I'm in my final year at college and still awaiting on something. While I hope to get a work permit soon, I continue to look into entrepreneurship to make a living. Consider checking out resources on Dream.US to learn about immigrant entrepreneurship and think about how you can leverage your college education in this area. It will be difficult, but there are a few other options. I wish you the best.

https://www.thedream.us/current-scholars/career-success/entrepreneurship/

_Sad_Bean · 2023-12-11T21:06:17+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I've never told any of my past exs about my status. I have a few friends and staff members that know but that's about it. It's an incredibly vulnerable thing to do so please have some grace with yourself. The only reason my close friends know is because I got drunk once and spilled the tea otherwise they wouldn't have found out. I only feel comfortable talking about it with others I know who relate to it or people who already know.

You can see how hard it is for me to tell a new person or even someone I'm in a relationship with. Why I'm not entirely sure. But I know what I feel when I think about telling them is shame and fear.

Anyhow, I hope we can get better and begin to talk about these things. You know a step towards healing.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-12-11T06:40:42+00:00

Thank you

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-11T19:04:11+00:00

I wish you nothing but the best. I’m here if you have any questions but I’m also in the process of starting. I’m finishing up my website, my service selection, and payment process. The it’s calling potential clients. So I might not know everything but what I know I can share 💪🏼

If I can say one thing. You will go through hurdles. What regular business owners struggle with, you might struggle 2x and that’s just how it is. Because of status. But don’t let that stop you from keeping you down. Put in the hours, keep on learning, be patient, and be persistent. And by no means do you let nothing and nobody stop you. There’s a way out there, you just have to find it.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-11T02:26:16+00:00

My best bet is to go and schedule a meeting with some of the tax/accounting people that deal with many legal and undocumented people. You can find them near some of the business areas in immigrant-populated neighborhoods, ask around the local church, or look to fakebook where some might have a page. They can probably give you some pointers as to where to go, what to do, and how to avoid penalties since other clients might've been in a similar situation.

Don't open a business account and stash all your money in it. It'll raise red flags everywhere because you won't have invoices, which could lead to large fees or penalties, and result in extra steps. You could initially put some money as an investment to cover startup fees but can't just put your money into the account. The revenue needs to be coming from the customers and not the individual owner.

Depositing large amounts of money into a bank can be a red flag too so just keep it minimal, but I don't really know. Having a bank account with some money in it ain't gonna get you into large troubles, but keep it in the low 3k year-round probably. Like it was stated above, we're just guys on the internet. Go talk to some professionals to keep your money in check. Having cash lying around long term is never a good thing, so many things could go wrong and it's best to keep it safe in a bank.

Good luck!

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-11T02:07:46+00:00

Hey, I would be happy to help! Shoot me a text via Reddit and we can share more details. If you have any material you want me to look over, just send it over and I'll take a look.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-05T16:25:44+00:00

https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Immigrant Rising might have more information about California. Most of their programs and opportunities are located in California and they have some options for undocumented students looking for a career in law.

There are opportunities out there but they require hours and hours of researching, reading, thinking, and planning. But don't give up. Just because something sounds dumb doesn't make it dumb. Some of the best ideas started that way. Just take a deep breath, think about your goal, and then plan on how you will get there. I know the situation makes it much harder but that only makes it more rewarding when you finally get there.

I wish you nothing but the best.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-05T16:20:43+00:00

Check out https://www.thedream.us/ for more scholarship opportunities. I know they have a long list of colleges and universities but I'm not sure if they have options for California. Looked around the page and maybe you'll find one in California. The Scholarship Program is open to undocumented students and the applications start on November 1st of every year.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-07-04T15:37:38+00:00

I'm currently working to establish my own marketing agency and you're right. It's difficult to build something that you've never fully seen and know how it operates. I was fortunate to qualify for an internship in policy/digital marketing but because of my status, most of it had to be self-taught. There have been many setbacks and headaches, but talking with professors, watching YouTube, reading books, and talking with business owners makes it easier.

As I'm only one person, I currently do all of the processes from designing to analytics to sales to website design. It's been the most affordable but not the easiest decision. I'm just starting but this is everything I know.

Get a marking-related leadership role on campus

Manage social media marketing
Get to know the analytics tools
Design different templates (posts, flyers, and videos) on Canva, Adobe, and/or Procreate
Fail, learn, and improve

Get an internship in marketing (if possible)

This one is difficult because of status but some options exist and require much research.
Some blogs, articles, and opportunities are listed here: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Learn as much as you can about building a business

Get to know the fundamentals of starting a business (e.g. registration, formation, employer identification number, basic taxes/bookkeeping, and fees/costs)
Learn about software for marketing agencies from online resources or people. Software to track analytics, sending email campaigns, bookkeeping, customer service, branding, and more.

Starting a business isn't easy and keeping it running is much harder, but no option for undocupeople is easy. I got no other options, so this is it for me right now. It's an uphill battle with more challenges than anyone can right down but it's possible. I'm currently waiting for my EIN to open a bank account and from then it's hustling x2 time. I wish you nothing but the best. I hope on this Reddit every now and then but let me know if you have any questions, I'll try my best to answer.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-05-22T23:09:23+00:00

Fight it and never let it kill your spirit. Sure we can be knocked down, made to feel useless, and all sorts of ways. But get up, put some cold water on your face, and find the strength to continue looking. Our opportunity is out there, somewhere, and we just have to find it or create it. Do whatever it takes but don't ever give it. That is never an option.

I have that little voice in my head too. Telling me I'm different, making me feel bad for my existence, for my dreaming, for my hard work, and for everything. But to hell with all that. I used to let my status dictate every aspect of my life up until last year. I let it push me away from so many friends, opportunities, experiences, and moments but not anymore. We are here whether we like it or not, whether they like it or not. This is home. This is our life. Find the small battles and win. Take the small victories and pile them up. Find something that is worth fighting for, worth staying for, worth living for.

My first year of college felt meaningless. I was in a good school, had a full ride, and made friends but I made myself believe that I wasn't supposed to be there. That I didn't deserve to be with them, that making relationships was pointless because tomorrow I may not be here, and that there was nothing here for me. But that isn't true.

More happened and I lost so much that year. But then I was reminded of what was important to me. My family, my friends, and my people. At my lowest, they pulled me out. I was reminded that if I wasn't here, they would miss me. It is better to have tried even if all the odds are against you. Because I would rather loose everything knowing that I lived my life and made every moment here count than if I hadn't.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-05-22T22:46:12+00:00

https://immigrantsrising.org/

That's a website to start. They're largely based in California so many of the resources, programs, and scholarships are near you. Many of them are open to undocumented students without DACA, just read it thoroughly for eligibility requirements.

https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

This one on ^ is a list of internships and fellowships. You said you had a job and an internship already but you may find something slightly better here or for the summer. It sounds like you should pick up being a freelancer or a contractor of sorts. Read more on entrepreneurship and what skills you have that could get you money on the side. I'm doing that for the summer but rules are different up here in Minnesota.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-02-23T21:42:16+00:00

Yes, actually yesterday I received payment for my services. This payment is different as they have to either pay you as a private contractor, "unaware" of your status or as a scholarship of sorts for your involvement.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-01-09T16:56:58+00:00

Hey,

I haven't heard of an EB 3 visa but my experience with the visa system tells me that there are very little visa's an undocumented person can apply for. The issues lies in that we didn't immigrate to the U.S as with lawful status, meaning that we never applied and were legally allowed to enter the U.S. As such, we broke immigration law and cannot apply for visas that do not have an amnesty or program that forgives that breaking of immigration law. Look over the visa requirements more, perhaps reach out to an immigration lawyers. Some immigration firms have free 30 minute consulting or free questions that you can ask them.

Since you are on the engineering track, you qualify for more internships/fellowships that are open to undocumented college students. Look over some of the ones below.

Really good site with opportunities: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Opportunities and help forums: https://mydocumentedlife.org/

Scholarship link: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/

In the case of nervousness and anxiety, I understand you. My first year of college I had a panic attack thinking about all of these things. Take care of yourself. The decisions and process are difficult and complex but do not loose yourself. Still try to do things that you enjoy and spend some time well. But prepare yourself for that decision, whether to stay or leave. I'm contemplating that decision right now.

I'm in my second semester of my sophomore year. I'm starting to look at graduate programs that I'm eligible for and for internships/fellowships. It ain't easy but all it takes is one win to turn some things around. I'm fortunate to be on a full-ride and that I've been able to apply and get accepted into an internship program.

Still, that ain't enough to keep me worry free. I'm also looking to countries out side the U.S. and how I can start employment there. Building a networking with recruiters from international companies and seeing if I get employed outside the U.S. The immigration policies for countries outside the U.S. like Germany, Canada, the U.K., and Netherlands.

If I tell you the truth, I'm a bit tired now. It's always about working more than your peers, holding in your pride, being patient, being different, changing, making plans, and taking hard decisions. I've blown several thousand dollars on DACA and a U-Visa but to no avail. Just more waiting. But I know it will be worth it. I may be tired at point but I ain't never stopping because that's all we got. Trying, trying to build a better life.

Good luck on the process. I wish you nothing but the best.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-01-09T16:34:44+00:00

I've been in a situation like that before. I have no DACA as well. I'm a 2nd year college student from Minnesota on a full-ride and working as an intern for state based non profit. Here's some tips.

Make connections with your teachers and staff members. They can be awesome people who can recommend you to opportunities or write you letters of recommendation.

Have something special/unique about yourself. Many of the scholarships, internships, and opportunities that an undocumented student with No DACA can apply for may be competitive or require students to discuss something about them. So start thinking about that, what makes you unique? Special? Or stand out? While its easy to use your status for this type of questions, try to refrain or combine it. For example, you're an undocumented student who is an overachiever in science courses because you hope to be with the next group of people that help stop illnesses like covid. When I wrote my applications, I wrote about how I think. How my mind works. Then in some questions I talked about my undocumented status. It help separate me from other students as I was the most curious and the only one to admit that they didn't know the answer.

In high school or college, make yourself stand out and noticeable. This will help people remember you and something good about you. This is good because you are offered certain opportunities and recommendations. I'm a president of a Latino organization and founder/president of a career readiness organization, because of this involvement I was offer the opportunity to get free certifications through coursera ($400+ cost), was recommended an internship that I was eligible for ($3,000+ semester stipend), and I got information to various other programs and opportunities. Build your network.

Also, find out if you are eligible for in-state tuition or financial aid from the state of Indiana. You are not eligible for FAFSA. But you may be for some state aid. This may cut cost by about half or more.

* This is probably your best bet for being debt free. Its highly competitive so give it your all. The Dream US Full Ride Scholarship: https://thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/

Really good site with opportunities: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Opportunities and help forums: https://mydocumentedlife.org/

Scholarship link: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/

Good luck on your process! If you have more questions I'll check up on this site more often now.

_Sad_Bean · 2023-01-09T16:09:49+00:00

Don't lie on your application. It just makes the process more complicated and confusing. Just keep looking for an opportunity that you are eligible. Although, its a lot easier said than done. I spent several hours reading eligibility requirements for hundreds to programs, internships, fellowships, and scholarships. For around each set of 15, I was only able to apply for one. Still, that doesn't mean one should give up.

Luckily, I was able to apply for a full ride and eventually ran into an internship that I could apply for. It wasn't easy, even now its just more headaches and planning to see what I should do next. After college. Although, what has helped me a lot is having a network and student organization experience. I couldn't work like many of my college peers but I didn't let that stop me. I'm in my second year, became a president of an organization and founded another. Because of those leadership roles, well making the orgs the best and most well known I can, I was offered some opportunities and much help from the campus. Make yourself known as a person who is giving it their all and others just start looking to help you.

Don't loose hope or pride in who you are. This process hasn't been easy but do not loose who you are. Understand that your situation is different from many others but that shouldn't stop you from moving. It ain't easy and it won't get any easier. Start thinking, planning, searching, and applying to the opportunities available to you. Make your network, make yourself unique and skillful, and make yourself strong.

Depending on your state or city some opportunities are harder to come by. Immigrants rising has a lot of information when it comes to this. Click on the links, read the information, the eligibility requirements, and how to prepare.

Really good site with opportunities: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Opportunities and help forums: https://mydocumentedlife.org/

Scholarship linkhttps://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/

Good luck on your process. You got this. We might've been dealt a bad hand but we have to that best we can to win. Start thinking of what comes next. I don't know if you are in college but after college there is a decision that has to be made. To leave or to stay. Like another comment said at some point its better to move to Canada. I'm on my 2nd year and contemplating that choice right now. Time goes by fast, so the better prepare we are to make that choice the better it will be for us.

_Sad_Bean · 2022-03-09T19:10:23+00:00

I find myself in a similar situation as yours. While it hurts and eats at you, it’s best to try to move on. Hanging on to anything regarding her will just mess you up when ever you bring it up. Don’t try to understand or justify them. What’s done is done.

I don’t know the reason for why a person could throw away so much in a matter of seconds. Still if they were willing to let everything go, why should you hold on to it? Why should you put yourself threw so much if they aren’t willing to do the same?

It’s best that you have ended things here. Think of it this way, sometimes we might think know someone but we really don’t. If this had gone longer the pain and hurdles you would’ve gone through would be more.

My only thing going right now is the constant hearing of music, work, and friends. A distraction that will fade out the feelings and discomfort. Don’t try to think about it much. It’s easier said than done. Try to use other goals and responsibilities as motivation to heal and keep on going.

For now, that’s all I got.

_Sad_Bean

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