Three DACA-qualified Students Will Join the Class of 2019
Angie Celis joins José Carrasco Sandoval and Laura Aguilar as the third dental student to gain admission to the UCSF School of Dentistry as a result of changes in federal immigration policy.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) is the immigration program that allows certain immigrants — otherwise known as dreamers — who entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation. The program was implemented by the Obama administration in June 2012.
“I was always hopeful that this day would come,” says Angie, who was born in Guatemala and came to California’s San Fernando Valley when she was two. “It took me longer to make it, but now I’m here.”
As with other dreamers, Angie has conquered unique challenges. Until the passage of DACA, she was unable to apply for scholarships, secure financial aid or obtain a driver’s license. She was also unable to obtain a work permit to work in her chosen field or to acquire a professional license.
Angie’s interest in dentistry stems from her first job out of high school when she worked as a dental assistant. “I saw the relationship that dentists had with their patients, and I really liked that,” she says. “I saw firsthand the way a dentist can have a positive impact on someone’s oral health.”
Angie tentatively plans to become a general dentist, though this could change as she goes through school. “While I’ve worked with general dentists, I haven’t had the chance to be around other specialties and experience them,” she says. “I’m going in with an open mind.”
Angie, who graduated from Cal State Northridge and holds a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology from UCLA, seeks to help others in ways that she’s been helped. “I want to continue to be an activist in the immigrant community,” says Angie. “I feel an obligation to help the underserved community and to use my experience to help those who have hopes and dreams of going into higher education.”
Pictured
Angie Celis (right) with her father at her graduation from Cal State Northridge
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