Naturalization Ceremony at the Mount Stirs Memories

I can't help but reflect on seeing my family's journey as they too went through this process. On Nov. 21, 1991, my then 13-year-old mother, grandma, two aunts, and uncle came to Cincinnati from St. Andrew, Jamaica.

In 2011, as an 8-year-old, I watched my mom study over 100 questions about American government and history, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the "Star Spangled Banner," and quiz herself on who the presidents were. Though I didn't get to see my mom be sworn in as citizen, I watched my mom beam at a medium certificate stating she officially was a citizen of the United States of America. I didn't understand just how important it was to my mom, as I was young, naïve, and thought it was silly.

That piece of paper was the difference between having my mom every day and being separated from her. I come from a line of migrants coming to the U.S for better, not for destruction. Hardworking, honest people, doing their part to be a productive American citizen just like the rest of us. I am proud of my family and their journey, along with the individuals who will take part in the ceremony at the Mount. The naturalization ceremony held for several years at MSJ allows persons seeking full American citizenship to take the leap of faith.