DACA Cause

​​My name is Gladys Guzman-Gomez. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico in a wooden stable. I spent a total of 22 months in Mexico before my parents’ hard work and sacrifice were able to bring me and my sister to the United States of America. 

​I grew up in a predominantly Latinx immigrant community in Georgia. A community that reminded my parents of their own childhood but with many more opportunities! I went to school in Dekalb County, finally graduating in 2014 from Cross Keys High School in the top 10% of my graduating class. I was incredibly grateful to receive the Goizueta Foundation Scholarship to Reinhardt University. During my college career, my grandmother and aunt living in Mexico had unfortunately passed due to cancer. It was heartbreaking knowing that I would never see them again and my parents would not be able to say goodbye. During this time I kept thinking of what I wanted and what career path I would choose. I eventually graduated in 2018 with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree and subsequently joined Teach for America. 

​One of the many values my family and community have is the importance of higher education. I knew that I wanted a career helping others either through healthcare or education. When I joined Teach For America, I was very underprepared, but the communities I served taught me so much! My experience in TFA reiterated my experiences as a volunteer in a predominantly Latinx school during college. Through both experiences and others, I understand the vast need for HOPE in all communities! Hope is the reason I remained in the classroom and I hope the representation of Latinx educators gives our children the faith they need to believe that they can achieve ANYTHING!