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"The journey was very difficult, and I often wondered if I would make it. The first month was especially hard — dealing with immigration, adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and understanding the laws of this country. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I enrolled in a high school called Escuela Popular, even though I didn’t speak the language and didn’t know anyone. I dropped out during the pandemic because I didn’t have the support from my family to continue studying. A year later, I made the decision to become independent. I quit my job and returned to school."

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-Leisar Garcia

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