My name is Yarely, I’m from Greenfield, California, and I’m a Dreamer. I’ve been living in the United States for almost 20 years. Growing up I felt like everyone else, I didn’t feel like I was different until I got to high school and realized that I was, in fact, different.

Before DACA, I felt like living in the shadows. I felt that I was part of America, but I wasn’t able to contribute and give back. I felt that I was reaching for a dream, but didn’t know where it was taking me. With DACA, I have the opportunity to show the country why I deserve to stay here, and that I am, in fact, American.

When I was in high school I didn’t know about computer science, but when I got into college I started learning about it. herScript is a group that [my friends and I] started while we were in CSin3, an accelerated program between Hartnell College and [Cal State] Monterey Bay that leads to a BS in computer science in just three years. herScript had two goals in mind: to work towards closing the gender gap in the computer science field, and to bring computer science awareness to our community.

Since our community is very driven by the agricultural industry, there aren’t a lot of people that go in and to talk about computer science. We wanted to bring those experts to Monterey county, and bring new opportunities to our community. I know for a fact that people in my community, most of whom are immigrants, have dreams of going to school, of getting a career, and contributing back to America. And if DACA gets removed, all that talent will be lost.

Having a deadline for DACA is just so difficult because it makes me feel like someone has control over my life. My DACA expires in November, and I can’t go anywhere else because this is where I grew up, this is the place where my family, friends, and community live. America is the place that I consider my home. It is so critical that DACA renewals stay open for Dreamers like me so I can continue to pursue my career, give back to my community and support my family.