program. For decades, U.S. lawmakers have reviewed various iterations of the DREAM Act to create a path to citizenship. None have been successful. For Ruiz’ parents, who’ve lived in America just as long as they lived in Mexico, one of the biggest challenges of being immigrants has been being seen as American, as equals. Obtaining a vehicle and driver’s license have presented obstacles as well. Both of his parents have obtained their GEDs, but Ruiz says their occasional struggles with English cause others to look down upon them. The worst part is the fear that invades their daily lives. “Any moment, we may be driving to get groceries or on our way to work, we may be pulled over and possibly sent back to a land we don’t know anything about,” said Ruiz. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the dismantling of the DACA program that has protected more than 640,000 DREAMers from deportation, according the March 2020 numbers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ruiz felt immediate relief at the decision. “It’s a second chance to pursue a better life,” said Ruiz. “We thought that door was going to close. We had hope, but it was fading away. The Supreme Court’s decision means we are meant to be here. We were always meant to be here.” Ruiz sees himself, and other Mexican immigrants, as a bridge. While many Mexican-American youth live in a space where friends, family or strangers declare they are either too Mexican or too American, Ruiz says it’s up to them to set a good example, vindicating immigrants who have suffered and showing those who come after how to live. Ruiz wishes all immigrants, documented and undocumented alike, were given the respect and admiration they are due for the challenges they have withstood and their contributions to our country and humanity. He points to founding father and immigrant Alexander Hamilton as an example. “With the hatred of undocumented or documented immigrants, this nation needs to see where our roots come from,” said Ruiz. After his interview with KOCO, Ruiz says a commenter called him a “disgrace to public education,” an affront that crushed his parents but one he says he shrugged off, choosing instead to focus on life-giving words from his mentor from OU Upward Bound, who told Ruiz his successes and accomplishments are just the beginning.
RUIZ GRADUATED FROM U.S. GRANT IN MAY AND NOW ATTENDS THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA.
A future of possibilities Ruiz says finishing his high school career in the midst of a pandemic was a blessing in disguise. The experience only strengthened his resolve and resilience and gave him the opportunity to spend more time with his family. “My fire of ambition and integrity comes from knowing I entered this life under the most drastic circumstances but through that I’ve still been able to achieve the unachievable,” said Ruiz. “I had nothing, but I still have made the best of it through my own ideas and dedication.” Ruiz is now a first-generation college student at the University of Oklahoma majoring in industrial engineering. He dreams of owning his own company where other entrepreneurs and business owners can access the resources they need to bring their dreams to fruition. Amidst the calls for immigration reform, a
global pandemic and blatant racial injustices and tension, this rising star chooses to call out the positives. “I see real-life heroes, leaders and civil rights activists, fighting for things for the genuine good for mankind,” said Ruiz. “Not to degrade each other or exploit each other but to unite each other.” With much hope for his own future and that of our city, state and country, Ruiz is determined to add his own positive energy, leadership skills and tenacity to leave the world better than it was before. “I love that the work you do and ambition you have transcends throughout time and history,” said Ruiz. “You can set an example both for your own time and for future generations.” Read Dylan Ruiz’s heartfelt letter to the class of 2020 at metrofamilymagazine.com/dear- classmates-of-2020.
44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER 2020
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software