For Pierce College students who have dealt with immigration issues, or are dealing with them now, the Dream Resource Center seeks to aid them in the journey and give them a space to resonate with other students who have been in their shoes.
The Dream Resource Center, in collaboration with the UndocuBrahmas Club, screened the film “Yellow Rose” in the Multicultural Center on Oct. 17.
The film follows an undocumented Filipina girl who has to jump from house to house after her mother is detained. She aspires to be a country singer and finds time to write and sing songs while on the lam from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Students like Danna Catalan, a business major, joined the club because, even though their immigration status is sorted out, they have friends and family who are still struggling.
“It’s very scary how real it is to get separated from your family,” Catalan said. “I can’t imagine being in her shoes, like, now I have no parents, I have no home.”
The film resonated with students like biology major Jackelene Benitiz, who had to fan herself after some of the heavier scenes.
“That movie reminded me of what happened in the past with my mom,” Benitiz said. “Without my mom, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
The Dream Resource Center doesn’t only host events for entertainment. They also help undocumented students apply for visas and an opportunity to work under the California Dream Act. In addition, they host study sessions, give financial aid advice and allow their members to talk with immigration attorneys.
The Dream Resource Center Lead Darcy Corwin helped organize the event and the entire Undocumented Student Action Week, which included bonding activities like painting murals as well as meeting with CARECEN legal advocates.
“It’s important because this week highlights that we want to make sure that our undocumented students here at Pierce College feel supported,” Corwin said. “ We want them to be aware of the areas that they can go to access a network of community resources, and just have a welcoming safe place to be.”