My name is Rayon (Ryan) Chan and I have been living in Queens New York for the past 6 years. I was born and raised in Guyana South America. I am currently an upper Junior at CUNY York College. I am now earning my second degree in Bachelor in Community Health Education and a minor in accounting.

I must say that I have had the opportunity to come to this country, and it has significantly improved my life. However, it is not easy because I do not have a father because he is deceased and I am living with my mother and three other siblings is not easy, but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I must add that this nation has been helpful to me in terms of my education, for which I am thankful, but at the same time, I am not financially stable, and it is quite difficult for me as an undocumented student but determination is the key to success.

I was able to graduate from a two-year community college with the little assistance I had, but I will be attending a four-year institution this fall and will not be receiving the same level of assistance that I had at the two-year. I should also mention that I am the sort of student who is ineligible for government financial assistance, which makes things much tougher for me.

My life is far from easy because I began working at the age of 13 to pay for my schooling. I sobbed I shouted, I wept, I stumbled, I fell, but I got up and went again, and I’ve never given up because “knowledge is power,” and no one can take it away from you once you have it. I must add that I work with people in my community just to help myself because back home it was not easy at all. Growing up in an abusive family made life extremely difficult for me. However, if we pray and believe God, things will happen, and he will never see his children begging for bread again. He is God, and he is in complete control of all circumstances.

 In terms of my educational goals or objectives, given that I have previously graduated from a two-year college, now I will attempt to obtain a bachelor’s degree, even though I am aware that it will be a long and arduous path. So, earning my associate’s in accounting is something I like rather than something I love since we must not listen to others or do what they want us to do, but rather what we want to do and what we love to do. People had encouraged me to do something I didn’t particularly enjoy, which I afterward regretted. But now I’m going to school for a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education since I’ve always wanted to work in that profession or area because it’s what I enjoy and is comfortable with. Since I was a small child, I’ve wanted to be a doctor and assist people, and now I believe I’m the perfect age to do so. This nation has been generous to me, and I want to give back in some manner, and I believe that this would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

I must say that I am very thankful because no one in my family has ever had the opportunity to attend college, I am the first one/generation to do so. So, I made up my decision not to take it easy, but to work hard and push my way toward my dream, and yes, dreams do come true, and I must thank this county for providing me with the chance to fully utilize this opportunity. Words are not enough to explain what this country means to me and my family.

Thank you for reading.

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