Krishna Dodia didn’t think she would ever go to college.
“It was something I had always wanted, but financially and legally, it looked like it wouldn’t be possible,” she said.
After graduating high school as an undocumented immigrant from India, Dodia was ineligible for in-state tuition at public colleges and was unable to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA. She thought there was little chance of fulfilling her dream of attending college and becoming an ophthalmologist — until she found Marymount University.
In partnership with TheDream.US program, the nation’s largest college access and success program for Dreamers, Marymount provides student scholarships to individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
“The Dream.US program was really a lifeline for me,” Dodia explained. “Through it, I found three partner institutions in the DMV that I could attend. I chose Marymount because it had the largest biology program and the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research.”
After arriving on campus, Dodia became heavily involved as a student ambassador, vice president of Marymount’s Athletic and Recreation Club and now the president of the Asian Student Association.
“I thought when I got to college, I would just keep my head down, study and work hard to achieve my goals,” Dodia said. “But the campus atmosphere gave me so much more confidence. Now, I’ve been able to be a part of all of these amazing campus organizations and have achieved so much thanks to this opportunity.”
Junior biology major Alexis Toro, a Dream.US scholar from Mexico, said despite the obstacles he faced getting into college, he too found Marymount to be a welcoming place for undocumented students.
“Marymount is so diverse — there are people from all types of backgrounds, including people who are undocumented,” Toro said. “Meeting other students in the same situation as me encouraged me to get more involved on campus and try to help others in the community.”
To accomplish this, Toro became president of the Saints Unafraid club, which focuses on serving the undocumented community on campus. Toro, who hopes to attend dental school after graduation, wants to give back and help other Marymount Dreamers feel like they belong.
“I want to let other people out there know that there is hope for them to get an education and have a future,” Toro reflected. “I want to show them that it is possible to prosper, even when you have limitations.”
Donald Jaamal, director of the University’s ABIDE Hub and advisor for Marymount’s Dream.US scholars, emphasized how the partnership benefits students and the University as a whole.
“Our partnership with TheDream.US brings a diverse group of talented, motivated and resilient students to Marymount University who contribute significantly to our campus community,” Jaamal said. “Their presence enhances the cultural diversity of the campus, fostering a more inclusive and global-minded community. Additionally, their perseverance and achievements are powerful examples for other students, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence.”
As Dodia looks ahead towards graduation, she encourages undocumented students to stay positive.
“Whatever you do, don’t give up on your dreams,” Dodia said. “There’s always a way for you to achieve everything you want. And remember that you are not alone. There are so many other students across the country in the same boat as you. Reach out to others for help and support.”
For Toro, going to college transformed his life and his future, and he is forever grateful.
“I’d like to say thank you to the Dream.US and Marymount for giving me and other undocumented immigrants the opportunity to continue our education,” Toro added. “I’m so grateful to Marymount for providing so many opportunities and always being there to support me. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.”
To learn more about scholarships available through Marymount’s partnership with TheDream.US, visit the University’s Scholarships and Aid webpage.
