Go-gettter.

I remember that since I was 7 years old, I began to do things on my own and I was pretty independent. My mother was often busy taking care of other things at home. My father had been away in the U.S. for quite some time. My older brothers and sisters were also busy with school or work. So being a go-getter, I decided I wanted to learn swimming. I went ahead and I registered for free swimming lessons, and for English lessons as well. It felt good to know I was able to do things on my own.
Things didn't change much when I came to the U.S. Once I moved here I decided I wanted to learn English fluently and I did. I wanted to continue going to school and I have. There is a sense of accomplishment I have, having achieved these dreams. To this day I continue to swim when I have the chance, and I use English as much as I do Spanish nowadays.
There's this feeling that I am lacking something however. And the problem I see is that I have been able to get things I want by no giving up and really striving to achieve them.
It is one thing to work hard for something that you know in the end you will get, such as a degree. It is another, when your fate lies in the hands of politicians and lawmakers that can easily be bribed and bought by lobbyists.
It is when my plans to be a fully integrated member of this society are in the hands of others that I feel frustrated. Because no matter how much I want it, and how much of a go-getter I am, it's really up to them.
And yet, I also feel like nothing has been in vain.