By MEGAN MAHARRY
Student Writer
Imagine packing up and leaving behind the only life you have ever known.
Imagine having multiple pairs of shoes, but only being able to take one. Imagine flying somewhere new for the first time. Imagine facing boarder patrol officers when they do not speak your language. Finally, imagine the thrill of starting a new life in an entirely new country.
It was no longer green, white and red, but red, white and blue. Seven-year-old Karla Lopez was in America. Lopez left Mexico with her mom and brother at age seven to join her dad in the United States. Her dad had spent six months working in California before bringing the rest of his family to be with him. “My dad liked it,” Lopez said. “It was safe and he wanted a better life for us.” Lopez began school in Santa, Ana, California and had difficultly learning English until she transferred to school in Westminster where she picked up English quickly. After a few months in California, Lopez said she hated it. She wanted to go back to her family in Mexico. The languages, traditions, celebrations, beliefs and diversity of the U.S. was a culture shock to her. “My world got flipped upside down,” Lopez said.
She earned her DACA status at age 18, and it helped pay for her college expenses and she was able to get her driver’s license. She began playing soccer at age nine, and even though she hated it at first, her talent took her far. She played club and high school soccer, and eventually went to Cypress Community College to play. After two years, she received a scholarship to play at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Coming to Oklahoma was another adjustment. Bustling, vivid city life turned into a quiet, country atmosphere, but Lopez has thrived here. Last season, she earned Second-Team all GAC conference and was the leading scorer for the Lady Rangers. Currently a senior, she is a criminal justice major with a minor in Spanish. She plans to become a lawyer for immigrants and a translator in court. Lopez’s journey was not easy, but she has made her mark.
“Estoy aqui luchando por una education y una vida mejor,” Lopez said. “I’m here fighting for an education and a better life.”
