Aliento Features: Naioby Sarabia
"When we graduate, you're going to be just like him." An acquaintance said this comment as a joke when we were leaving school during our sophomore year of high school. He was referring to the person who sells chips, corn on the cob, and candy outside the school. That phrase had such an impact on me that I haven't forgotten it and never will, so that I can always remember how undervalued the situations and opportunities of immigrants in the United States are. I will remember this phrase to prove that person wrong. My name is Naioby Sarabia, a 17-year-old Dreamer, and I know that when I graduate, a bright future awaits me.
I’m originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, a state that shares the Sonoran Desert with my home state of Arizona. I came to the United States when I was 15 years old. I recently graduated from ASU Preparatory in Phoenix. When I first started school, I didn't know any English. In this short time, I've managed to understand, speak, read, and write it. I've always been drawn to art. There was a time when I wanted to be a tattoo artist. That was my dream. I called it a dream, not because it was what I most longed for in my life, but because I felt I could never dream of having a higher education. So, I resigned myself to stop dreaming. I preferred to cut my wings to the size of the cage rather than let them grow and try to break out of it.
In my junior year, I had had enough. I was tired of feeling like I had nothing to fight for or truly aspire to. One day, I decided to talk to a teacher. She told me about people who were holding Zoom meetings who might have resources for me. I didn't know who they were; my teacher only gave me their phone number. When I had my meeting, a very nice girl was there. She told me about an event near me where I could fill out an alternative FAFSA application and about a fellowship I could apply for. That was my first interaction with Aliento. It sounds like a small thing, but it was a huge step for me. In that single meeting, I realized I wasn't alone, that there were people who could support me and opportunities available for those in my situation. I never would have imagined that by recording my 3-minute video, I would be able to experience so many wonderful, challenging, self-improving, and reflective experiences. I never would have imagined finding the family I found.
I was “The Spanish girl”. The one always chosen last or left aside for being unable to speak the language. That's how it was with my classmates and teachers. The one whose "friends" joked about me being a Dreamer and never going to achieve anything. They trampled on my dreams and aspirations for a future that wouldn't involve being a cleaning lady or working in construction. That's why Aliento means so much to me. After so long feeling like there was a bubble around me, preventing me from fitting in anywhere, it would go away, even for a few moments. It also brought me joy knowing that people were fighting so people like me could dream. It fills me with hope and motivation to think that I can have a higher education even though it's very difficult, challenging, and exhausting.
It's easier to tell you about the moments of my fellowship with Aliento that haven't been challenging than to recount all the moments and opportunities for growth I've had. With Aliento Votes, it was a challenge. From being a shy person who had to educate people. Going to a stranger's house, talking to them, and, to make matters worse, not speaking perfect English. Every door I knocked on was like a new challenge to face. A fear of being treated rudely. The uncertainty of whether my English would cooperate with me or whether my nerves would get the better of me, and I'd start saying nonsense. After spending so many days knocking on doors, I stopped seeing it as something to worry about and began to see how things really are. I was just someone advocating for our rights and sharing my feelings and concerns with people. Sometimes those people weren't all that nice, but as long as I did the right thing, it didn't matter. The bad days are worth it, and they were worth it. I was one of the Fellows who went door-knocking the most. I didn't mind all the fears involved in going, because I knew I would overcome them and do an effective job supporting my community.
The challenges didn't just come during the campaign. I also had to invite people to my events and to Education Day (E-Day) at the state Capitol. I learned to overcome my shyness. However, people at my school didn't always respond well to my proposals, which didn't take away my motivation to invite more people. I know there must be people who don't know about this type of opportunity for impact, just like I did a couple of years ago. Then E-Day came.
My greatest fears and greatest desires when meeting people happened in those meetings. From a one-hour meeting with a Senator. Even meeting with a representative who didn't stop discriminating against me because I reached 15 and "could survive in Mexico if I went back," even though I want to stay here. I've worked harder in these last two years than I have in my entire life in Mexico. All that suffering wasn't for nothing; it was a necessity. One of the things I learned at E-Day is that no one can take away my voice. My story is a powerful tool. And I should never be ashamed of what I've been through.
The way I see the Aliento Fellowship, it's an opportunity you shouldn't pass up. The opportunities, experiences, friendships, conversations, community, challenges, and stresses I went through, I would do them all again. It's a chance to grow and become a more confident person. Every person I met at Aliento taught me something, even if they were short conversations; everyone has different reasons for doing something noble. Never pass up this unique opportunity.
After the Fellowship, I'm going to Grand Canyon University. I'm planning to study engineering. I'd like to build a better world. Even though my major has nothing to do with law, I'll continue to volunteer or intern at Aliento because it's a beautiful family I don't want to leave.
