![“Tanning exposes your skin to [ultraviolet (UV)] light, and UV light is a known carcinogen, which means it can alter your DNA,” Biotechnology and biology teacher Gillian Boyd said. “It can change the sequences of DNA bases. The more exposure you have, the more risk you have to develop [skin] cancer.”](https://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_0071-1200x798.jpeg)
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Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey from a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy League is a memoir that follows author Dan-El Padilla Peralta’s journey as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. Dan-El moved to New York at the young age of 4 years old with his mother and youngest brother, hoping for a better life. Dan-El spent his childhood hiding his biggest secret: he did not have legal immigrant status in the country. Because of his desire to forge a bright future for himself and his family, he worked hard in school. His amazing academic performance caught the eyes of a teacher and this contributed to his great academic success. He achieved admission to Princeton University and continued to overcome obstacles. Padilla is now a professor at Princeton and a public speaker, inspiring millions of people in similar situations.
Review: ★★★★★
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves memoirs and inspiring life stories. Dan-El’s life opened my eyes to the harsh reality of being an undocumented immigrant living in the states. His incredible drive and passion to learn made the memoir encouraging. I aspire to make a difference in the world similar to how Dan-El did.
Dan-El Padilla Peralta’s memoir cover pictures a young boy reading a book. His memoir provides an inside look about what his life was like growing up as an undocumented immigrant in the United States.
