Spring 2026 Winner of the Crowder Law Firm Scholarship

Carla Suarez Delgado

Carla is a nursing student who immigrated to the United States from Cuba in pursuit of a better future. Having arrived with little more than faith and resolve, she has built a life centered on resilience and caring for others. We are confident that her compassion and work ethic will carry her far in the years ahead.

Read Their Essay Here:

For me, the American Dream is not about money or having an easy life. It is about freedomthe freedom to become whoever you want to beand about sacrifice, opportunity, and helping others along the way. My life story begins in Cuba, continues through several countries, and finds purpose in the United States. Because of everything I have lived, I believe the American Dream is real and attainable today, but only for those willing to sacrifice and work hard for it.

I was born and raised in Cuba, a country where opportunities are limited, and dreams are often restricted by reality. From a young age, I learned that no matter how hard people worked, their futures were already decided. As I grew older, I understood that if I wanted a different life, I would have to take a risk and leave everything behind. Leaving Cuba meant leaving my family, my culture, and the place where my identity was formed. It was the hardest decision of my life, but also the most necessary.

My journey to the United States was long and dangerous. I traveled through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico before finally reaching the U.S. border. Along the way, I faced fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty every single day. I crossed borders with no guarantees and minimal resources, trusting only my faith and determination. When I finally arrived in the United States, I felt reliefbut also fear. I had survived the journey, but I was starting my life from nothing.

When I arrived, I did not speak English. I felt invisible and powerless. Simple things like asking questions, understanding instructions, or expressing myself became daily struggles. I enrolled in my senior year of high school in Grand Island, Nebraska, and sitting in class was extremely challenging. I often felt lost and embarrassed because I could not fully understand my teachers or classmates. However, giving up was never an option. I reminded myself that I had already survived worse.

Although high school helped me adjust, I truly learned English at my first job as a server at IHOP. That job changed my life. At the beginning, it was tough. Customers spoke quickly, used expressions I did not understand, and sometimes became frustrated with me. During my first months, I faced many uncomfortable situations and went home crying more than once. Some customers lacked patience, but others showed kindness and encouragement. My coworkers supported me, helped correct my mistakes, and gave me the confidence to keep trying.

That job taught me much more than English. It taught me resilience, confidence, and responsibility. Slowly, I began to understand more and speak with less fear. I learned that mistakes are part of growth and that persistence leads to progress. Through that experience, I realized that the American Dream is not handed to youyou must fight for it, even in moments when you feel unsure or afraid.

After graduating from high school, I decided to take a break. I was proud of how far I had come, but I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Like many young immigrants, I felt pressure to succeed but lacked direction. During that time, I enrolled in a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class. That decision changed everything.

The CNA program helped me discover my purpose. For the first time, I felt genuinely connected to what I was doing. Helping patients, caring for people during their most vulnerable moments, and being a source of comfort showed me who I wanted to be. I realized that nursing is not just a careerit is a way to serve others. That experience gave my life direction and helped me define my future goal: becoming a nurse.

Today, the American Dream also means freedom to help others. I went from being an immigrant with no resources, no power, and no English to becoming a college student who helps others who arrive just like I did, with nothing. Sometimes helping is as simple as translating, explaining a form, or guiding someone through a process they do not understand. Those small acts matter. Being able to help someone feel less alone reminds me of how far I have come.

That is the American Dream to me: having the freedom not only to become who you want to be, but also to lift others as you rise. It is about transforming pain into purpose. It is about using your experiences to help someone else believe that they, too, can succeed.

I believe the American Dream is still attainable today, but it requires sacrifice. Immigrants face many barriers, including language, financial struggles, and discrimination. The path is not equal, and the effort required is often greater. However, opportunities still exist for those willing to work hard, educate themselves, and remain resilient. My journey proves that progress is possible, even when the beginning is difficult.

The American Dream lives in my transformationfrom crossing borders with fear to standing with purpose, from not understanding a single word of English to helping others communicate, and from uncertainty to clarity. I am preparing for a future in nursing so I can continue serving my community and giving back to the country that gave me a second chance.

For me, the American Dream is freedom, sacrifice, and service. It is real, challenging, and worth every step. I am living proof that with determination, resilience, and a desire to help others, the American Dream can still be achieved.