GJHS students got the unique and impactful experience of watching people from many walks of life become U.S. citizens.
On Oct. 23, an official Naturalization ceremony featuring a federal judge with secret service security was held in the new GJHS auditorium for new citizens. Juniors and seniors were invited to attend, an enlightening experience for those who are unaware of the process and struggles it may come with.
For those who are unfamiliar or did not get to attend the ceremony, a Naturalization ceremony is for immigrants from many countries to gain their official citizenship of the United States.
There were 73 candidates from 25 countries at the GJHS ceremony. This is a larger number than previous years, likely because of the quickly approaching election on Nov. 5. The upcoming election was possibly an incentive for their naturalization, so they can sooner be a part of the democratic process and use their vote to make a difference.
Due to the circumstances, the ceremony was timely. Several of the speakers mentioned and encouraged the newest American citizens and the able audience to exercise their rights to vote.
Besides this, the ceremony was important and impactful because it gave many students the opportunity to listen in on something they would otherwise likely not experience. A large emphasis was placed on this aspect by teachers and GJHS staff. While I agree, it is not the fact that us high schoolers got the chance to watch the ceremony or even the ceremony itself that was most remarkable.
Truthfully, it was the people on stage who made the ceremony monumentous.
As I scurried around the auditorium snapping photos and recording quotes, I couldn’t help but notice the large turnout of non-students. There was a significant crowd of people comprised of family members and supporters of the new citizens. Many brought flowers, the same way people often bring flowers for performers in plays and recitals. It shows that what the people on that stage have done is exceptional and should be applauded.
The process to become a United States citizen is lengthy to say the least. They must be a permanent resident of the states for at least five years, with some exceptions, before they can even be considered for the citizenship process. Even after this, candidates must wait for their interview and other tedious parts of the process. It takes commitment and considerable effort that several new citizens described as lasting 10 years or more.
Oftentimes, those receiving citizenship are in it for their family. Which is beyond commendable. The dedication to a better life or a second chance is impressive to say the least, especially for those who do it for selfless reasons. Many leave their homelands, comfort and safety to provide for their families.
“It was for love,” said one of the new American citizens from Cairo, Egypt.
Truthfully, to me, that is the “American dream.” That is not to say that love is not prevalent or accessible in other countries and cultures, it is only to comment on the dedication to love that so many of these new citizens represent.
A ceremony such as this one is truly a unification. It causes those on the stage to become part of a larger union, and it also allows those in the audience to be a part of it.
“It’s obvious each and every one of us have a common denominator. Here, we’re all human beings. Now 72 of us also have another common denominator, we’re all citizens,” remarked one of the candidates during an opportunity to share his story.
It is truly a unique and special experience as a student to have watched this. In spirit of the above quote, I’d like to emphasize that the importance of the ceremony may lie not in the fact that these brave people became specifically Americans, but more so in the fact that it felt like a unification among humans.
I am the average high school student in America, with a small world having grown up right here in GJ, CO. It is truly significant to have my views opened to other people’s lives and journeys right in front of me. I hope my peers who had the honor of watching the ceremony feel similarly.
“It is truly one of the greatest experiences that I have the honor to be a part of,” said U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert.
I can at least attest to that statement: It was amazing.
I watched up close as a woman smiled teary-eyed at her son in the front row from the stage as she gained citizenship. It was impactful to say the least. I hope that it gave other students a better understanding of the dedication, commitment and love that it takes to do what these new citizens have done.
To end, I’d like to emphasize what so many of the speakers at the ceremony did as well. That we would not have had the privilege of watching it in our brand new auditorium if it weren’t for the voters of Mesa County who voted (finally) for us to get a new school. But not only this, many of the people on that stage would not have had the privilege of gaining citizenship if it weren’t for the democratic process and liberty in our country.
“Voting is the primary language in our democracy and it is one way of having your voice heard regarding issues that are important to you,” said Karen Sherman-Perez with the Hispanic Affairs Project.
I encourage you to vote, if you are able, so the democracy in our country stays alive and well, and people such as the woman who smiled at her son from the stage can continue on thriving in America and we can watch proudly.
