This iReport is part of an assignment:
New citizens: Why did you become American?
Always Here!
I was twenty one years old when I moved to California from Cd. Juarez Chihuahua Mexico. Since my mother was a U.S. Citizen, I was able to come to this country legally. But like many immigrants, I was scared and very lonely. In Mexico, I was a student athlete and an honor student with a 4.0 GPA. I was playing Volleyball for the Instituto Tecnologico de Juarez. I had lots of friends and was very involved in school activities. Despite not wanting to leave my home, friends, and life, in my heart, I knew this was a great opportunity. In Juarez, I used to live in a very poor neighborhood up on a steep hill. From up there, I was able to see the lights that illuminated the City of El Paso Texas, and dream. Dream of the day when I was going to finally cross that border. Since I was aware my mother was a U.S. Citizen, I knew that someday my dream would come true. In order for my parents to legally bring all of us to the U.S, they needed a lot of money for our green cards. My parents had six kids to take care of and money was very scarce. Despite being a U.S. Citizen, my Mom never took advantage of the US government. She never requested welfare or government assistance like many people that are U.S. Citizens but lived in Mexico. My dad was a truck driver and didn't make a lot of money. As a family, however, never went without food or shelter. On August 25, 1985, I arrived in California with a few dollars in a pocket and a dream. I was supposed to be first person in my family to finish college in Mexico. For me, not achieving this dream was not an option. So, I worked hard. I did many odd jobs to support myself with only one goal in mind, finishing College. I graduated from California State University Northridge on June of 2005. Twenty years after I arrived in the U.S, I achieved my dream and my parents dream. I became the first person in our entire family to graduate from a U.S. University. That same year, I became a U.S. Citizen. I did it out of gleefulness and appreciation. As a child, I had dreams of being in the U.S, but never envision this life of mine. I am now a Director of Finance of an Art Institution, and I am married to a wonderful man. My husband's family is an extension of mine. My father and mother, whom are now 90 and 78, respectively, have a logistics business in El Paso. At their age, with their limited knowledge an education were able, through hard work, support their family and make a better life for them here in the US. Personally, I am grateful to this Country for all the opportunities that were available in order for me to succeed. Deep down, I truly believe that I have always been a U.S. Citizen. I may have been born across the border, but my heart was always here. In the United States of America. Thank You!!!
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