Behind the scenes of the American dream

East students reflect on their experiences and how they got to where they are now.

Elizabeth Flores

When Donald Trump announced his candidacy for presidency, it felt like a nightmare for the millions of immigrant families across the United States. “I will build a wall, a great wall,” Donald Trump promised during his campaign speeches. This is just one out of the many things he’s said that has offended or put fear into people who have immigrant families and people who are immigrants themselves. The wall he is referring to is the wall that he claims will be built between the United States and Mexico border. The purpose of the wall is to keep immigrants out. On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump became the president-elect and as of today, he is the 45th president of the United States. A nightmare was turned into a reality for these families.
“I’ve felt scared, not just for me but for other people that are undocumented,” senior Jose Espinoza said.
Jose Espinoza was born in Compton, California, to two immigrant parents. His parents are both from Mexico. Before Jose was born, they immigrated to the United States in 1990 with Jose’s brother, only six months old at the time. They left because Mexico didn’t have any jobs and they barely had money. When they got to California, Jose and his family moved in with his grandpa. They lived in his grandpa’s garage because of how packed his house was. Jose’s parents both worked every single day while Jose was under the care of his grandpa. His parents realized how dangerous Compton was getting so they moved to Chicago, Illinois and were living in a small apartment with other family members. After a year of living there, they heard about Iowa, so they moved here. Since then, they have settled down and made Des Moines home. In 2006, his parents became residents. In 2016, 10 years later, they finally became citizens of the United States after 26 years of living here. Despite his parents struggles and the obstacles they faced, they managed to pull through to accomplish their version of the American dream, raising their children in the land of opportunity.
“I am my parents’ American dream,” Espinoza said.
Espinoza’s story is not unique to him. Many students at East have immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves and felt worried about the election results.
“I woke up, checked my Facebook and saw that Donald Trump was our president. I freaked out,” sophomore Nawal Rai said.
Rai was born in a refugee camp in Nepal. He was born into a life where his family didn’t have much money or a good house. All of his life he grew up in Nepal, then left Nepal when he was 12 years old to come to the United States. He left behind his friends and family, only taking all of his memories that he had from Nepal. He came here with mixed emotions and confusion. He came with questions, wondering what his future would be like.
“I thought America would be like a fairy land,” Rai said.
Although it might seem easy to get used to a new life, it’s not. Rai was at his lowest when he was the new kid in a country where he didn’t feel at home but things started changing for the better. He started going to school, starting his journey here. He gained confidence, making friends and getting more involved. Rai joined theatre at East as a freshman. He’s also apart of IHSSA and choir. Although the future seems uncertain, families are preparing for the worst but there’s a few things that help them stay positive.
“I have dreams and I want to fulfill my dreams,” Rai said.