Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Guatemala     

Current: Atlanta, GA

“I see that there are a lot of disadvantages in minority communities, especially for Latinos, so I want to go to college and study in a field where I can help my community, like public health or international relations.”

For Karelin, the American Dream means being able to overcome adversity to fulfill your dreams. She is taking steps forward to ensure her American Dream comes true.

Karelin was born in northern Guatemala and was raised by her aunt after her mother came to the United States. She enjoyed her life there and spent her time playing with her cousins, climbing trees, and running around barefoot. When Karelin was about seven years old, she went to live in the United States as well.

When she first arrived in the United States, Karelin lived with her uncle while she waited for her siblings to arrive. On her first day of school, Karelin was nervous, but she immediately made friends with another student in the same class. At first, Karelin was bullied by many kids at school, but she soon started to excet, even enrolling in several advanced classes.

Since arriving in Atlanta, Georgia, Karelin has begun to thrive. Now a high school student, she is applying to a number of top colleges but hopes to attend Yale University. Karelin is interested in studying international relations or political science. She hopes to help people who have had experienced similar difficulties in their lives.