by Jeanne Hobbs, DEIB Committee Chair
“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence
The Fourth of July is a special day celebrated during the hot months of summer. It means different things to everyone. Most of us associate this day with fireworks and cookouts; after all, it is a day to celebrate! July 4 marks the day the 13 American colonies declared their independence from British rule. In addition, the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson laid the foundation for the new nation, with the principles of liberty, equality and self-governance.
We asked two Goodwin Living team members who also recently became U.S. citizens what the Fourth of July means to them. Read on to hear from GHA Care Partner Lauretta Kamara and GHA HR Generalist Mary Reyes about their perspective on being new U.S. citizens.
Lauretta Kamara’s Story
Lauretta told me of her first impressions of the U.S. “I came to the United States several times to visit with my daughter and four grandchildren,” she said.
“I knew that this was a very good country, especially for older people. It’s a wonderful place. It’s not like this in my country [Sierra Leone]. In this country you can achieve anything you want. As long as you work hard, you can achieve it [the American Dream].”
Deciding she wanted to live here permanently, Lauretta started the process to become a U.S. citizen. Her daughter sponsored her, and Lauretta studied for the exam with help from Goodwin Living residents Betsy Wallace and Fran McLean. Their tutoring was instrumental in helping her achieve her dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.
As a new U.S. citizen, the Independence Day holiday takes on a new meaning for Lauretta. To Lauretta and her family, it means freedom, liberty and a good life. They like to celebrate by going to see the fireworks. If Lauretta is working, she goes to the windows and watches with the residents. It makes her smile, knowing she can celebrate, too.
When asked if there is any freedom that being a U.S. citizen grants that resonates with her, she replied, “The freedom of religion. You are free to choose, and that is very important to me. I would not stay without that. My dad was preacher; he taught the Bible, so being here is very important. It’s part of me, what I grew up with, and how I feel safe.”
What would Lauretta like others to know about her experience of becoming a citizen? She would tell people from Sierra Leone, “You have to work hard, for yourself.” She continued, “As I get older, I know America can help me, like when I retire. We don’t have that back in Sierra Leone.”
“I want to give back to Goodwin Living because of the help I received,” Lauretta said. “I passed [my citizenship exam] with flying colors. It wouldn’t have been so easy, but my teachers made it happen. I’m grateful for them. So grateful. My work is how I contribute. When it’s my day off, and they ask me to work, I will come in to help. I’m thankful to the Foundation, too.”
Mary Reyes’ Story
Mary first came to the United States from the Philippines in 2019. Her dad brought Mary and her sisters because he wanted them to have better opportunities than they did back home.
Becoming a U.S. citizen wasn’t an urgent matter for Mary, however with everything happening here in the U.S., she said it prompted her to act sooner than planned. Now, citizenship gives her peace of mind, some level of protection and more independence.
Like Lauretta and many other Goodwin Living team members, Mary is grateful for the Goodwin Living Foundation U.S. Citizenship Program, which covered her application fee. She also had the aid of a resident tutor. In just four weeks, GHA resident Sheila Delaney helped Mary feel ready and able to pass the exam, which she did!
For Mary, the American Dream means freedom and being able to live safely and build a future. “The independence really means a lot to me,” she said. “Back home in the Philippines, even though I love being with family, sometimes you can get stuck with certain responsibilities or expectations. Being here gave me more freedom to focus on building my own future and making my own choices.”
As a new U.S. citizen, Mary says that the U.S. Independence Day holiday is about freedom and independence and being grateful for the opportunities she has here. She plans to celebrate her first year as a U.S. citizen with her sisters, one of whom also got her citizenship just a week after her. It will be a double celebration!
When asked what she would tell others who are thinking about citizenship, she said, “Just do it!”
Things to Think About This Fourth of July
For those who are U.S. citizens, it is my hope that after reading this, you will take the opportunity to reflect on what Independence Day means to you. For those who are not, if obtaining U.S. citizenship is something you’re interested in, reach out to the Foundation or your HR office to learn more about how Goodwin Living can help you!
Goodwin Living DEIB Committee: Statement of Purpose: Educate, Embrace and Empower team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Goodwin Living DEIB Committee Desired Outcome: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB) will seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the age, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation of team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living without bias.
*Members include Priority Club members and Goodwin Living At Home.
Questions or comments? Please contact us DEIB@GoodwinLiving.org
