I started working at Ocaquatics in 2013, when I was 20 years old. At that time, I was under DACA and previously I had lived my entire life in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. I came to this country in 1999 when I was just six years old, and for as long as I could remember, I carried the fear and uncertainty that came with not having legal status.
When I joined Ocaquatics, I was simply looking for a job but I found so much more. I found a family, a community that believed in me, and a company that saw my potential long before I saw it in myself. Ocaquatics didn’t just give me work; they gave me purpose, confidence, and hope for a better future.
Over the years, Ocaquatics supported me not only in my career but also in one of the most meaningful parts of my life my immigration journey. The company stood by me, encouraged me, and even helped me through the process that eventually led me to become a permanent resident in 2022.
Because of Ocaquatics, I didn’t have to face my immigration struggles alone. They believed in me, and that belief changed my life. Today, I am proud to call this country my permanent home, and I’m even prouder to be part of an organization that truly lives its values of inclusion, compassion, and opportunity for all.
Ocaquatics didn’t just help me grow professionally — they helped me find stability, belonging, and the courage to keep moving forward. For that, I will always be grateful.