The Incredible Journey: How I Defied the Odds and Triumphed on Wall Street

Think you’re facing an impossible challenge? Well, imagine trying to make it to Wall Street without proper documentation as an immigrant. In My (Underground) American Dream, I managed to turn my determination and an expired tourist visa into an extraordinary journey that brought me from Mexico to one of the top positions – Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Through my book, I want to take you on a rollercoaster ride, sharing the highs and lows of my relentless pursuit of the seemingly impossible.

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My (Underground) American Dream: My True Story As An Undocumented Immigrant Who Became A Wall Street Executive is a remarkable tale of achieving success against overwhelming odds. Julissa Arce, an undocumented immigrant, defied all expectations and eventually rose to become a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Her journey serves as a powerful example of determination and resourcefulness in the pursuit of the American Dream.

What is My Underground American Dream About?

When I first came to America, I didn’t know much English. My parents, who were both hardworking entrepreneurs from Mexico, brought me here on a tourist visa. They believed that America had the best education opportunities for me.

So, get this. I’m Arce, right? And let me tell you, adolescence can be a rollercoaster. But hey, I managed to navigate through private schools, thanks to some extra English tutoring. You see, my mom was worried that taking English for Speakers of Other Languages classes would make me feel different, so she found another way.

Anyway, this book I’m about to tell you about, it’s not just about my language journey. It’s got all these other crazy ups and downs of being a teenager and dealing with family stuff. And here’s the thing, I wasn’t just getting by, I was getting top-notch grades that any college would’ve drooled over.

But, here’s where things get tricky. So you know how I mentioned I was born into this country without proper documentation? Yeah, it’s a real headache. I had this expired visa and no way to get a green card. Not cool, right? But hey, life goes on.

Believe it or not, I kept applying to colleges. I mean, what else could I do? Sure, I left that pesky Social Security number section empty on the application because, well, I didn’t exactly have one. But I held onto this glimmer of hope that somehow things would work out.

Unfortunately, college admissions remained silent. Not a peep from any of the places I applied to. Talk about disappointing.

But guess what? Just when I was about to lose hope, a miracle happened. I’m telling you, it was like fate stepped in.

Guess what? I have some amazing news to share with you! In Texas, a bill called House Bill 1403 was passed, and it opened up a fantastic opportunity for undocumented immigrants who live there. This bill made it possible for them to go to college, which is a huge deal! Of course, there was a lot of paperwork involved, but she didn’t let that stop her. She put in the extra effort and went through the process.

After all the paperwork was done, something incredible happened. Can you believe it? She received a call from the Governor’s Office! They called her to let her know that she was now allowed to attend the University of Texas! Can you imagine how thrilled she must have been? This was just the beginning of her story, though. Along her journey to Wall Street, she faced many more challenges.

One of the obstacles she encountered was dealing with relationships. We all know how tough that can be sometimes, right? On top of that, she had to navigate through the complicated process of getting a green card. It wasn’t easy, but she kept pushing forward. And then, as if things couldn’t get any more difficult, she experienced the pain of losing loved ones. It must have been heartbreaking, but she didn’t give up.

Despite all of the obstacles that came her way, she found a way to keep moving forward. And that’s the message she wants to share with you and me. No matter what challenges we face, we should never give up on our dreams. Nobody can take away our ability to fight for what we want.

In my career, I’ve held important roles at big companies like Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, and now I work as an advocate for immigrant rights.

What I Loved About My (Underground) American Dream

This book is truly inspiring and it gives you a different perspective from what you might expect from someone who works in Wall Street. The author, Julissa Arce, is a young woman who had to overcome many challenges as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her story is one that is rarely heard, but it’s an important one that brings much-needed diversity to the industry.

What Could Have Been Better?

In My (Underground) American Dream, I share my personal journey leading up to my time on Wall Street, starting with my early years in Mexico and my education in American schools. The book picks up the pace as I recount how I navigated the challenging environment at Goldman Sachs. However, I wish I had delved more into the valuable career and life lessons I learned during my time on Wall Street. I believe readers would have been interested in receiving more direct advice, especially aspiring entrepreneurs looking to stand out in a competitive job market.

Why should you read My Underground American Dream?

My (Underground) American Dream is an inspiring and captivating story for those seeking employment, entrepreneurs, or anyone who feels that factors like their degree or level of experience determine their destiny. Through my own journey, I prove that obstacles are not insurmountable. By tapping into three essential elements – dreams, hard work, and a support network – we can overcome any barriers. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and witnessing their successes, I developed my own dreams and the unwavering belief that life had so much more to offer. By embracing those dreams and giving my all in every aspect of life, I harnessed a power that surpassed the obstacles I encountered. Readers who are eager to overcome their own challenges and achieve their dreams can tap into that same power.

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