Hi John,
I’m Julio, and I was in Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Career Program.
I joined the Mental Health Career Program at the peak of COVID-19, just after finishing my M.S. in School and Family Based Counseling, with few job prospects. As the only undocumented student in my master’s program, I had nowhere to lean on. Some days, I even had to choose between eating and gassing up my car to get to classes and unpaid internships.
After 10+ years of working hard in school, career & financial stability were still not guaranteed. I entered this field to heal myself and my family and challenge the ways that support systems fail us. For the first time, this dream started feeling impossible.
So, when my friend sent me the Mental Health Career Program (the first-ever undocu-specific career program I ever saw), things turned around for the better. Within it, I found a village where everyone supported each other, and a chance to care for other undocumented folks through their grief. Programs like this let us know that we are visible, that you have us to fall back on, and that there is an undocumented community with shared empathy and compassion.
Contribute to our Mental Health Career Program that supports and prepares undocumented future mental health providers for their careers.
Because of the Mental Health Career Program, I’m now only one exam away from becoming a licensed therapist. I’ve gone through a lot of big mountains in my life, and this is one of the last ones to conquer.
Your support lets undocumented people know that our dreams are visible and attainable. Donate now.
To other undocu baddies: your big dreams and big visions are possible! One step at a time, even if it has to be slow.
