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 David
SOL Precinct Walker
Orange, California
No one wants to break the law to come here."
Today David seems like any working class college kid. He works hard as a janitor, he studies hard for his classes, and he occasionally can be seen relaxing with his friends dancing the night away at a local club. But perhaps more than many of his classmates, David has a sense of how important his schooling is.
David grew up in a poor and rough neighborhood in Mexico City. "My mom was worried when I came here." She did not just worry about the crime in the United States, she also worried her son would be targeted by violent anti-immigrant vigilantes.
David left Mexico because he felt no hope there. He saw how hard his parents had worked. But their lives never got better. "I came here because of the possibilities."
David is studying to become a veterinarian. He hopes for a new life, but his dream still harkens back to the life he knew growing up. "My dad has a ranch now, with lots of animals".
When he first came here he stayed with family in Tustin. Since then he has worked many different jobs. Finally, through a friend he attained a job as a janitor.
He now lives in Santa Ana, with family. Late night, David cleans the city's posh office buildings. During the day, he attends classes at Santa Ana College. After school, in the early evening he studies. "I get at least five hours sleep a night" he calmly notes.
David's endless days seem like small sacrifices to him. When asked how his busy schedule allows for starting a family he quips "there is time for everything." He is content, even optimistic. "I am making steady progress towards my goal."
David joined SOL because of what he has suffered as an immigrant. "No one wants to break the law to come to this country." He wants to be a part of this country.
Going door-to-door, talking to his fellow immigrants he senses the fear that shape their lives. Because of the fear, they do not take part in the wider community. "We can give people hope, that is what is important.'
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