JUAN MASCORRO-GUERRERO

"In the US, I definitely had a great education that set me up for success growing up, especially going to Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville."

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"On the bright side though I was putting a lot of time in the library, so I was focusing on my studies. And so, I was able to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. And I think focusing on my academics is the reason I'm here today. But it would have been nice to have felt comfortable in my own skin being able to get to know other students when I was in K-12 in Middleville."

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"I think coming from one California with 3 young kids was definitely a challenge. But at the end of the day, they sacrificed their lives to come to the U.S. to give us a better life. They knew that leaving California where they knew people. Where there were people they identified (with), they look like them, to come to Michigan, to predominantly white town was going to be different. But they just knew that it was the best option in the best idea for us. So, I think that's where they brought us here but it was definitely a challenge."

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"My parents had to hide in the shadows, not being able to enjoy life… but they continue. 

They always have a smile on their face. They are glad that they're working even though they're doing these really challenging, difficult jobs that a lot of people don't want to do. They're happy that they're making money and supporting us."

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"As a DACA recipient  there's no pathway to citizenship and the 3 of us are under DACA and so the only way to getting, the citizenship is (by) getting married, but for me it's already happened. I've been married since July."