He hasn't received enough from the people of California. He needs more. Please prepare another handout. What has been contributed so far has run out and Daniel just wants a better life ...

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_19149914

LONG BEACH — The last school year has been tough for Cal State Long Beach senior Daniel Orozco.

Hit with higher tuition, the recent loss of his job and unable to receive financial aid because of his status as an undocumented immigrant, Orozco, 22, is worried he won't be able to pay the final $1,600 installment for his fall tuition.

"If I can't make the payment by the deadline on Oct. 26, I'll have to withdraw from classes and won't be able to graduate next spring," he said. "I'm pretty close to rock bottom at this point."

As a last-ditch effort, the psychology major came up with a unique plan - a website called "Daniel's Journey Toward Graduation" where people can donate money through PayPal to help him pay his tuition by next week's deadline. The website shares tidbits about his life and struggles as a college student.

So far, he has raised $1,089 through friends, former teachers and a few anonymous donors. Orozco said he hopes donors will see it as an investment in a young student's future.

"What do I have to lose?" he asked. "With a little help, I know I can finish college and go on to make a difference in the world."

Like many students in California's public universities, Orozco is struggling with the higher cost of tuition. The California State University Board of Trustees this summer approved a 12 percent tuition hike, bumping the annual cost for a full-time undergraduate up to $5,472 - more than triple what students paid
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a decade ago.


Orozco, who came here illegally from Mexico with his parents at age 7, faces additional challenges as an undocumented immigrant.

Immigration advocates scored a major victory this month when Gov. Jerry Brown signed part of the controversial DREAM Act allowing undocumented students access to state financial aid. But the law won't go into effect until 2013, leaving Orozco to fend for himself this year.

Orozco hopes to be the first in his family to earn a college diploma. The young Tustin resident commutes to school each morning at 6:30 a.m. and says he works hard to maintain a 3.5 grade point average.

He plans to go on to earn a master's degree in social work with a special focus on military families.

"I always wanted to join the military but couldn't because of my immigration status so this is another way I can help," he said.

Aside from financial hardship, Orozco also faces personal struggles. He left his mother's home at age 17 because of family turmoil and stayed on friends' couches for a few years before moving in with his estranged father.

This year, he was diagnosed with depression and attention deficit disorder. He lost his job as a server at Lazy Dog Cafe two months ago.

But despite the difficult year, Orozco is remaining optimistic. He's working on a budget for his spring tuition and still plans to graduate in 2012.

"I'm going through a lot of difficulties financially, and some emotionally, but I chose to persevere," he said. "I've worked too hard to quit now."

For more information visit: http://danieljourneygraduation.bbnow.org/donate.php

kelly.puente@presstelegram.com, (562) 499-1305