YOUTH TRYING TO BETTER LIFE, MIGRANT SAYS  
Arizona Republic
August 2, 2007

(Phoenix, AZ)
Author: Yvonne Wingett, The Arizona Republic Estimated printed pages: 1

Isela Meraz's parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 8, like most undocumented immigrants, hoping to make a better life for their children.

Now 24, Meraz is trying to achieve that better life and earn a degree in fine arts education.

Standing in her way, she said, is Proposition 300, which has made college too expensive and financial help too hard to find. She cut the number of classes she was going to take at Phoenix College during the fall semester to one from four.

"We're looking for scholarships that don't require Social Security numbers,"
said the west Phoenix student who also works in customer service. "I want to finish school. It could be so easy. Why is it so hard for some people to understand that they're limiting the youth from growing?"
Edition: Final Chaser
Section: Front
Page: A11