Although my roots are Caribbean,

I still belong to the African diaspora

I call myself an Afro-Dominican girl,

in my veins, runs the desire to succeed

and make my family proud

for the sacrifice, they have made.

I have come to the promised land,

Where “American dreams are realized”,

but they did not tell me the battle that

must be taken to achieve them.

I come from a tropical island

Where harmony and happiness are breathed

To a land, that doesn't care that I am stumbling

if I do not contribute it does not account

That I am a family member.

I left my homeland behind

for better education, but

they did not tell me if you don't know

English once you step on American soil,

many doors will close.

Yet I survived in the promised Land

I earned my education in Brooklyn

I learned not to surrender

I promised myself my American Dream

Once I achieve it, I will share it

I will give to others what Brooklyn gave me

In abundance: Hope. Trust. Knowledge.

Opportunity.

Darylennys German-Aponte immigrated to New York from the Dominican Republic. She is a Senior at Medgar Evers College majoring in Psychology BA with a Minor in Social Welfare. She is a very empathetic person who also loves helping people. She is currently a College Assistant serving at\ SEEK program within a peer-to-peer mentorship capacity. Some of her duties include strategizing, troubleshooting, and guiding first-time freshmen to navigate college successfully.