Daniela's Story
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. In addition to murder, children are kidnapped, often sold for adoption. When a friend’s child went missing, Daniela’s mother decided it was time to pack her 7-month-old baby and her 4-year-old daughter (Daniela) and flee.
With family in Summit County, it was an easy decision of where to go. Daniela’s mother found a job the day after they arrived in Colorado, and two months later, they had their own apartment.
But life was difficult.
Although Daniela’s mom worked hard as a single parent, they moved often, and money was tight. “It was at Summit Middle School that I began to realize I was different,” Daniela said. “We weren’t going on vacation to Cancún, kids made fun of me for only having three outfits, and I never got to brag about getting my driver’s permit.”
Daniela focused on her future, and when kids at school made fun of her, she’d say, “My life doesn’t end here, and I’m going to make something of myself.” Daniela’s mom played a pivotal part as a role model. “My mom strived for better positions at work and pushed herself. Now that I’m a mom, I understand what she’s had to sacrifice to give my sister and me a better life.”
After her sophomore year, Daniela opted to leave Summit High School and earn her GED through Colorado Mountain College. Because of DACA, she secured papers to work as soon as she turned eighteen. However, four years later, Trump halted the program, and her younger sister was unable to follow in her sister’s footsteps. Although Daniela’s sister, a straight-A student, had lived in the United States since she was seven months old, she lost most of her scholarships because of having no legal status. Daniela says she is ready for this current administration to end and hopes life can be more equitable for all.
Daniela is now married with a two-year-old son and currently works as the health and wellness specialist at Summit Head Start, a job she loves.
“Securing a work permit changed my life,” she says. “My hopes and goals are simple. I hope to buy a house and provide a stable home for my family. I want them to have space to grow.”
