A group of students at Flushing International High School (FIHS) that are part of a DREAM are raising awareness about the Drop the ‘I-Word Campaign and how the ‘I’ word impacts their life. 

For the past two months, members of Dream Team have been studying and discussing the negative impact of the use of the word "illegal" to refer to immigrants in the United States. The video above was created by a former FIHS student and captures the raw emotions of how young undocumented youth feel when they’re referred to as "illegals."

The students say they were inspired by the Drop the I-Word Campaign, a project from the Applied Research Center and Colorlines.com.

The Drop the I-Word team recently met with FIHS students in Queens, NY at an event called "We Are Beautiful! Immigrant Rights Do Matter!" which was organized by the FIHS’ Dream Team and Multi Squad.

Mónica Novoa, Drop the I-Word Campaign Coordinator, said she is grateful and inspired by the students at FIHS and their work to reject the i-word for themselves and their community. "The students at FIHS have set a brilliant and brave example in their own community," Novoa said.

"They’re taking on the i-word because they know it impacts their lives and the way they are treated. They are taking a stand against bullying, racism and violence – and they are affirming their belief in one another and their ability to create a brighter future," Novoa went on to say.