My Undocumented Life: Up-To-Date Information & Resources for Undocumented Immigrants  is a web site created by Carolina, a former undocumented immigrant who faced the struggles of navigating the American educational system. Its main mission is to provide tools, information and resources to undocumented immigrants who are interested in pursuing an academic degree. The site includes a long list of contributors who have experienced the hardships of studying while being undocumented and want to help those in need of guidance and support.

Navigating the website is very easy. At the top of the page you’ll find headings with links to information targeted to specific areas of an undocumented student’s life: SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATION, STORIES, DACA, NEWS, HEALTH.

The scholarship section highlights approaching deadlines, and zeros in on opportunities specifically aimed at undocumented student needs. Students can participate in online forums where they can find answers to their most urgent questions. The health section provides undocumented friendly health information services like Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

One of the most interesting sections on the website is the STORIES section. In this section, users are encouraged to share their experiences as undocumented students, educators, and parents of undocumented children. Reading these stories – illuminating the lives of thousands of undocumented immigrants across the U.S. – can be a source of motivation for those who are just starting their journey. For example, in his post, Pursuing an Education: Ismael’s Experience and Advice, Ismael gives the following advice:

“One of the tips that I can give to anyone with any social, political or economic struggle is for example: Perseverance. Never give up on your dreams. Secondly, Practice makes perfect. That’s one key factor that I remember. Working at a restaurant and having to speak to native English speakers, was like having a private teacher by my side…”

The site provides adult educators with tools and resources that their undocumented students can use in order to better their lives and achieve their academic and economic goals. It offers much needed help to the undocumented community by building a support network, where students can seek advice from trusted teachers, guidance counselors as well as undocumented students who have successfully enrolled and graduated from college.

I think is also important to support the work that is put in a website like this not just by donating money, but by getting involved in the different activities that surround the undocumented community. For example, this might be helping students apply to as many available scholarships as possible and educating parents about why undocumented students should pursue a college education.