The #Undocugrad hashtag spread like wildfire across Twitter this weekend, with undocumented students sharing their graduation triumphs with the world.
More than just the typical “I did it” messages we’re used to seeing this time of year, the “Undocugrads” inspired social media with their gratitude, thanking their parents for the sacrifices made to get them to this point.
These undocumented students are telling a much bigger story than your average commencement address. They’re telling the story of their family’s determined journey to create a better life. They’re stories of sacrifice, love, and survival in the face of incredible odds.
Here are our favorite 19 #Undocugrad tweets…
…and you may want to have the Kleenex ready.
1. This tweet wasn’t the first to use the hashtag, but it was the tweet that made the hashtag go viral.
When my school discovered I was undocumented, my scholarship & in-state tuition were taken away. I told my papi that I was going to drop out & work instead. My papi told me he’d cut his arm off before I dropped out. We made it work. Today I graduated & he’s why. #undocugrad pic.twitter.com/RwDuOe5xaF
— camila 🦋🥰 (@camiconleche) May 5, 2018
2. Camila’s best friend was quick to shower her with love and support.
I am so proud of my best friend for graduating from USF. It takes determination and courage to get to where she is today. She is an inspiration and she deserves nothing but success. I love you Camila. Keep striving to be the best you can be. 😭❤️#undocugrad https://t.co/QlMZPXk2vz
— Asha Gilreath (@asha_kathryn) May 6, 2018
3. With just four words, Sandra expressed exactly what it means being an Undocugrad.
https://twitter.com/xo_svndrv/status/992818941243293696
4. Being an Undocugrad is how these children return their parent’s favor.
Everything I do, I do it for you. This degree is for the young woman who had to give up her studies to raise a family. It couldn’t have been possible without the support of mi familia. #UndocuGrad #ImmiGrad #DACAGrad #SiSePudo #GradSchoolNext pic.twitter.com/7HwXacjEO6
— UGH. (@_WILLEXE_) May 6, 2018
5. Some of the undocumented students had more than one reason to be proud.
undocumented and queer af baby 🏳️🌈🇲🇽 #undocugrad pic.twitter.com/UcYWaxNaHo
— erick (@thriftedseoul) May 5, 2018
6. Being an #Undocugrad is about more than making your parents proud. For some, it’s about setting a good example for their siblings.
Sister, thank you for being my biggest inspiration! You inspire not only me, but everyone around you. Congrats on another degree! You make us all proud. #undocugrad #EducatedLatina #masters pic.twitter.com/mNm1ssFURv
— abby (@abbxsterz) May 7, 2018
7. This professor reminding us that sometimes it’s the student who lifts up the teacher.
To all the #undocugrad #UFGrads out there: keep on shining because we're all still fighting for you. People like you embody perseverance, trust, and resilience and we need you more than you need us.
— Rosana Resende (@Tropibrazuca) May 6, 2018
8. And she wasn’t the only one.
Reading through all the #undocugrad tweets is making this prof’s eyes tear up. Congratulations to you all! You’re amazing. https://t.co/vgMG4IZpso
— Nilanjana Bhattacharjya. (@_nilanjana_) May 5, 2018
9. Defying more than just the odds.
I am worth my parents sacrifice. This is for them. #undocugrad #neiugrad… https://t.co/JaeCPTil6F
— Erika 🏳️🌈 (@erikastephaniie) May 6, 2018
10. “For my father who came with nothing and gave me everything.”
#IMMIGRAD here to “steal” all the jobs you’re not qualified for 💁🏻♀️🦋🇲🇽👩🏻🎓🎓🎉 #UndocuGrad #DreamActNOW #UWGrad pic.twitter.com/rJf3rKG6FS
— Selina 🦋 (@selinaaaaaaa_) December 18, 2017
11. It takes a village…
UNDOCUMENTED, UNAFRAID & NOW A COLLEGE GRAD!
To my village: WE DID IT!! 🎉
Peep my huichola outfit showing them indigenous roots #UndocuGrad pic.twitter.com/UIzs8ZVdNP— Diana (@_MsBetancourt) June 14, 2017
12. Be proud because your university is standing with you.
The @UUtah Somos Dreamer's #HeretoStay Gala is April 21!#UndocuGrad: https://t.co/z0G5fc0sbj #UndocuAlumni: https://t.co/vxfbCYUZKv pic.twitter.com/QhmaETyWT2
— Office of Engagement (@U_Engage) April 8, 2017
13. And you have a cheering section.
This hashtag is so damn beautiful, I'm crying tears of joy👏🏼 #undocugrad I'm so proud of everyone and proud of being a latina!!
— Angelica (@mydreamsnoturs) May 6, 2018
14. A big cheering section.
I’m proud of you guys. Prove them wrong. ❤️💪 #undocugrad
— c0dy 🐀 (@codyluvskoolaid) May 6, 2018
15. Actually, it’s less a cheering section and more an army of supporters.
Congratulations!!! Walk that stage with the knowledge that all your ancestors are walking with you!!! #undocugrad #fearless #radicallove pic.twitter.com/dqzly6aL3g
— Janet Damon, Ed.S (@mixxmomma) May 6, 2018
16. When you’re more than just the “first in your family.”
📣Shot-out to these amazing undocuAPI grads that were part of the first #UndocuGrad held at UC Berkeley 👩🏼🎓👩🏻🎓👩🏻🎓👨🏽🎓#ImmiGrads #Immigrad pic.twitter.com/frEj5NWalx
— UndocuMedia (@undocumedia) May 19, 2017
17. If someone gives you a microphone, tell your story.
"Let me tell u about the blood sweat and tears that got me here. My 4 years in college were full of fear" Julie, #UndocuGrad, #AffordToDream pic.twitter.com/rZ0Ul8M3if
— CT Students for a Dream (@CT4aDREAM) January 26, 2017
18. Here’s some actionable advice if you want more #UndocuGrad tweets like these.
If you want to help students like Camila, please consider supporting or establishing a scholarship at your fav university to help them pay tuition. #GoBulls #unstoppable #UndocuGrad #DACA https://t.co/t2ogZEp2u1
— Muir the Best (@TracyMuir2) May 6, 2018
19. The Class of 2018 Undocugrads are paving the way for the Class of 2019 and beyond.
Seeing all the #undocugrad posts makes me excited to join them one day. 😭 I’m so proud of y’all, you did this ♥️💪🏽 #UndocumentedAndUnafraid
— brenda (@mendezz_b) May 5, 2018
Frank congratulates all members of the Class of 2018 on their accomplishments.
We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Have a graduation story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it — tag us on Twitter and Facebook!