Phoenix, Arizona
February 6, 2008

A compelling account of the struggle that students without legal status in
the U.S. are facing has taken the form of a bilingual book. Under the title of
Documented Dreams, the Arizona-based Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
(HISI) has published a collection of letters written by students from
Gateway Early College High School, and compiled by the school’s principal —
and 2008 ‘Living the Dream’ award recipient— Yvonne Watterson.   

The letters were written in response to the anonymous and generous
donations by people from the community, who made financial contributions
to help students unable to qualify for in-state tuition continue taking college
classes. The group of High School students then decided to write thank you
letters to show their appreciation.  

Watterson revealed that after reading the letters from students, “a book
seemed the obvious way to capture forever their collective thanks. The
students wanted to thank the strangers who were making their continued
college education a reality. They could only convey their gratitude
anonymously, from the shadows.”

The idea for a book emerged simultaneously with the defeat in the U.S.
Senate of the Dream Act last Fall. Millions of students were hoping to
regularize their status and be able to continue with their education.

“Mrs. Watterson contacted us, we read the letters, and immediately jumped
into giving form to the book project”, stated Eduardo Barraza, HISI’s
director. “We recognize that we are living in a historical turning point;
publishing the students’ letters is an attempt to ensure we accurately
record history as it happens before our eyes, and in the voice of its
protagonists: the students themselves.”

Documented Dreams is a book of enormous human value, mainly because it
symbolizes the aspirations of millions of students caught in a sociopolitical
midpoint. The book will further contribute to the efforts of keeping students
taking college classes at this early college program, as it will be used as a
tuition fund-raising tool.

For further information visit www.hisi.org/books.html or call 480 – 983–
1445.

Book Details: Documented Dreams • Edited and compiled by Yvonne
Watterson • Photographs by Eduardo Barraza • ISBN: 978-0-9797814-3-8
• Paperback • Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish. $25.00 Minimum
Donation

Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues © 2008
2008 ‘Living the Dream’ Award Recipient Compiled Letters
Yvonne Watterson
Gateway Early College High School
Principal
Hispanic Institute of Social Issues ©2005-2009 All rights reserved.
webmaster@hisi.org
Photos by Eduardo Barraza © 2008
High School Students Document
Immigration Plight in New Book
Documented Dreams
Book Cover
Univision KTVW-Channel 33 - Phoenix, Arizona
Story (in Spanish) by Reporter Victor H. Rodriguez
Click PLAY button (arrow) to start video
AVAILABLE at:
In Tempe, Arizona
Changing Hands
Bookstore
6428 South
McClintock Drive,
Tempe, Arizona
(SW Corner of
McClintock &
Guadalupe) Tel.
480-730-0205
AVAILABLE at:
In Tempe, Arizona
Changing Hands
Bookstore
6428 South
McClintock Drive,
Tempe, Arizona
(SW Corner of
McClintock &
Guadalupe) Tel.
480-730-0205
in the media
12 News
Undocumented students share their stories
Veronica Sanchez - Feb. 8, 2008 09:08 PM
WATCH VIDEO
c o m m e n t s
"It’s a fascinating and inspiring project."
Dick Stolley
PEOPLE Magazine Founder

"This is great news! Students in Arizona have gathered and done something great."
Dream Act - Texas Blog

"I'd like to applaud all the DREAMERS who took this initiative and have given all of us a voice."
Generation One Point Five Blog

"A God thing..."
J. Trujillo

"This book is the first of its kind to shed light on real vicitms of immigration reform (or lack thereof). I found it relevant, moving and shocking. Shocking
that we as a country are forcing people AWAY from education. It is a must read for everyone, regardless of political views. Kudos to the courageous
Yvonne Watterson and her students!"
AMAZON.COM Customer Review

"Documented Dreams: Dreamer book released!"
DREAM Act Portal - Forums
Phoenix, AZ. Feb 12 - Mr. Carlos Flores Vizcarra -Consul
General of Mexico- commended the book Documented Dreams.
Yvonne Watterson and Eduardo Barraza flank Mr. Flores.
Photo by Maria Jesus Cervantes
La Estrella de Tucson - Arizona Star Net
Completarán estudios con la venta de un libro
Por Mariana Alvarado Avalos
Sueños Documentados
Teleritmo de Arizona
KSUN 1400AM Radio Fiesta - José Cortez
Interview in Spanish Click arrow for AUDIO
in the media
documented, dreams, students, dream, act, high, school, undocumented, yvonne, watterson, eduardo, barraza, book, bilingual, dream, act, gateway, early, college, high, school, hisi, suenos, documentados, jovenes, indocumentados, arizona, libro
Telemundo KTAZ-TV 39 - Phoenix, Arizona
Story (in Spanish) by Reporter Yezmin Thomas
Click PLAY button (arrow) to start video
The Arizona Republic
Some grateful students say, 'Thank you'
By Richard Ruelas
Telemundo KTAZ-TV 39 - Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona al Dia
Story (in Spanish) by Yezmin Thomas
Click PLAY button (arrow) to start video
Education Week - Blog
Thank You Letters from Undocumented Students
By Mary Ann Zehr
Sunday World - Ireland
Miss Who Won't Let Kids Miss Out
By Richard Sullivan