Super Kids of the Metro
SPONSORED BY
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
DYLAN RUIZ WAS NAMED STUDENT OF THE YEAR FOR U.S. GRANT HIGH SCHOOL.
Ruiz shared that his teenage parents sent him at age 1 to California with his great-grandmother and uncle while they secured passage for themselves. The family sold everything they owned to provide for their transport, and they were unable to get in touch with their baby or family caregivers for over a month. “Opportunity was scarce, and they crossed over to give me opportunities they never had,” explains Ruiz. “My dad said, ‘I didn’t have anything to give you except change.’” Ruiz’ classmates were stunned, impressed by his courage in sharing his story. His parents were fearful, worried he or they could be exposed, that despite their
commitments and contributions to their community, and their clean track record, that they could be deported. But Ruiz was determined to let his truth shine. “I did it for my family, for people who don’t have a voice, past and future immigrants,” said Ruiz. “It was a turning point in my life. As I reflect back I think of all the things that would not have happened if I hadn’t accepted that interview and taken the moment to explain my story.” Ruiz was already a leader and lauded student in his school, but his bravery that day led to opportunities during his senior year he couldn’t have dreamed up.
At the beginning of Dylan Ruiz’s senior year at U.S. Grant High School, he took a huge leap of faith. Then-presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke was scheduled to visit the school to speak with students and hear about the issues important to them. Ruiz was the last student to address the assembly and candidate, sharing his journey as an undocumented immigrant, a fact nearly no one in his school knew previously.
42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER 2020
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