Marco- Dreamer, ’18 PT Grad, NASM CPT Certified

My journey began after hitting a major slump and the gym was there to pick me up and help me regain my life. At the time, my life was uncertain in part, because  I am a DACA recipient, or Dreamer, as we are called. Prior to DACA, there was little hope for what I could do to have a better future. For the first time in a long time, because of DACA, the future looked brighter for both me and my family.

I noticed an announcement for Life Time Academy at my gym offering a course to become a Certified Personal Trainer.  The Academy process was fun and educational. Zelig, my instructor and mentor, took me step-by-step through what I would encounter as a trainer. After graduating, I became a Personal Trainer at Life Time. I openly shared my personal story with classmates and clients. The support I received and most importantly, the support I am able to pass on to others, gives me a whole new sense of worth.

With the current political climate and overall situation we are going through, it is easy to forget that we are all human and worthy of love and the pursuit of a better future. The recent Supreme Court ruling brought a giant smile back to my face (although you probably wouldn’t see it in public with my face mask!). Fitness is my passion. I want to encourage others to live a more active lifestyle. As a DACA Dreamer, I one day hope to leave a positive mark on people’s lives by being a motivational speaker and sharing my story with the world.