Kemberly Gil is a 20-year-old sophomore at The College at Brockport and an undocumented immigrant. She is one of the five “DREAMers Among Us” whose stories are told in the film by that name to be shown at Seymour Library March 29. The award-winning 21-minute documentary sheds light on the struggle of New York’s undocumented youth to gain access to college, reach their potential and contribute fully to the state.
From poverty to “living behind the shadows”
In an interview, Kemberly recalled “living with Grandma in Colombia in extreme poverty until, my mom said, ‘I want something bigger and better for my kids.’ ” When she was three-years-old, with her older brother and younger sister, the family came to the U.S. on temporary work visas, bringing all their possessions and $20 cash. Her parents started working at car washes and restaurants.
Their work visas expired after six months. “We became undocumented and that’s when my journey began, trying to find myself while we were living behind the shadows,” Kemberly said. “At school I felt the same as my friends, but when I went home, I knew I was not the same. It was a big secret, something no one could know about.”
Living in New York’s Hudson Valley, her parents worked at various jobs, but remained positive, Kemberly said. Eventually, they started a small business cleaning homes and offices. In December 2015, her father went to Colombia to visit his dying mother. He cannot legally return to the U.S., and may never see his family again. Kemberly’s mother is the remaining parent to support her children in college, two now, and soon three when Kemberly’s sister starts college in the fall.
With minimal help from her mother, having no access to state or federal financial assistance, Kemberly must work several jobs and compete for the few small private scholarships available. Long work hours limit the study time needed to achieve grades to qualify for law school.
From the shadows to a bright future vision
Her high school freshman year began with her mother’s warning about the realities of her undocumented status: not having the same benefits as her friends like a work permit, driving license, nor a citizen’s access to college. “That’s when I almost gave up,” she said, “feeling like I would end up like my mom in the same system.”
Her attitude changed when she joined the Youth Arts Group (YAG). YAG is a leadership program for Hudson Valley teens, part of Rural & Migrant Ministry. They learn to fight for social justice and make a difference in the migrant community, using art as a tool (such as creating the “DREAMers Among Us” film). “YAG gave me hope,” Kemberly said. “And, that’s when my journey changed to fighting for myself, for my future, for my dream.”
At school, “I always felt accepted, because I never told anyone my secret,” she said. “I made friends with everyone. My status did not stop me. I just assumed I was an American.” Her high school activities included soccer, track, cross country and cheerleading. She was elected class president in her senior year.
In her sophomore year, she was assigned a class essay entitled I Believe. “It was my chance to tell everyone who I am and come out of the shadows,” Kemberly said. In reading the essay to the class, “I announced that I was undocumented. I said I believe I can change people’s lives, supporting farm workers and fighting for their rights.” After that, “I felt really happy,” she said about her friends’ responses to her revelation. “They did not run away from me, but asked so many questions.”
Allies on her journey
Kemberly gratefully acknowledges many “allies” who have provided her practical support and warm encouragement.
First among allies, she names Richard Witt, Director of Rural and Migrant Ministry, who led her to the College at Brockport and helped her through many administrative procedures. “He has supported me and my family for eight years. He has pushed me to be a better leader, a better student and a better person.”
Kemberly speaks fondly of the other people who have encouraged her on campus. Betty Garcia-Mathewson is Project Director for Opening Doors Diversity Project. “Betty advises me on every aspect of my life, and has helped me not feel so alone at Brockport.” Karen Podsiadly is Director of Community Development. “Mrs. P. helps me develop my leadership skills, personally and professionally,” she said about her supervisor in the Community Development job she loves.
Kemberly’s academic advisor, Dr. Susan Orr, “has helped me choose the best courses for my major and guides my career plans.” Dr. Arthur Smith, a retired professor who rents her a room, “is very kind and helpful,” she said. “When I am having troubles, Art is very supportive and understanding.”
At the end of the 2015 fall semester, when Kemberly’s father planned to go to Colombia to be with his dying mother, she knew she would probably never see him again. So, she decided to withdraw for the semester to visit him. With allies advising against dropping out, she talked with her professors “who understood and worked with me to get my work done early to complete the semester, so I could see my father for the last time before he left.” She especially named Dr. James Fleming “who went out of his way to comfort me and support me through this hard time.”
Mom: “The biggest motivator ever”
In the interview, Kemberly projected self-confidence and charisma, expressed on her shirt as: “Undocumented, Unafraid, Unapologetic.” Asked about the possible source of her strong character and energy, she said: “My mom is the biggest motivator ever. Growing up, she was the one I saw working so hard on so many jobs, suffering with back pain, but keeping a smile and helping us. When my dad asked her to go with him to Colombia, she said no, she was not leaving until all the kids are out of college. That is why I try so hard and drive so hard, so I won’t ever see her suffer again or have to work so much.”
And, Kemberly drives toward a specific goal. With a double major in political science and international studies, she wants to become an immigration lawyer. “That’s my dream,” she said. “I want to be part of a large movement to change legislation, change the system on immigration. There are so many people suffering, and I want to have an impact.”
