My first time...

I was born in Bogota Colombia and moved to the states when I was two years old. My mother made the decision to allow me to choose if and when I wanted to become an American citizen. My relationship with the US has been a complicated one. I have never felt part of this country, let alone accepted by the main stream. I have always felt just on the outskirts of America, not quite one of them, from the pronunciation of my name, to my moms' "funny" accent as my friends would always remind me, to the not so common rules of my house, or at least not common for Americans. When I was younger being on the out skirts used to bother me, so much so that I changed how to pronounce my name, it went from Paola (pa-hola) to good old Paula (like Paula Abdul). I rarely spoke Spanish, didn't know much about Colombia and simply wanted to be an American girl. Time passed, things changed and I proudly embraced who I was and where I came from. I left to Colombia when I was 14 and returned at 17 as a self identified and very proud Colombian. I was proud of my country and was opposed to becoming an American citizen. I didn't see the need. I didn't have the desire. My family would constantly bombard me with calls, e-mails, and lots and lots of nagging about how I needed to become a citizen. I had spent most of my life in the US, to many I was more American than Colombian, and at the end of the day I didn't have to relinquish my Colombian citezenship I could be both Colombian and American. Yet I persisted, I didn't need to become American, I didn't feel American and to be completely honest I was uncomfratable calling myself an American as I opposed so many of the US's policies.

This conversation went on for years in my family. Finally in January I decided I wanted to become a citizen of the USA. Why? One reason...I wanted to vote for Barack Obama. I wanted to be part of history. I wanted to partake in making the WORLD a better place. I wanted change and hope and the potential for peace. I wanted all of these things and the only way I felt we could get them was to have Obama as our president. I walked into the voting booth today as a proud American. I was proud of this country, I was proud we have been able to see and embrace greatness. I was proud to be part of this moment in history, one that I believe will change the world.

As I drove home I listed to the radio and heard so many young people talk about hope and inspiration and change and how they are a part of this moment...we are all a part of this great moment.

I heard a quote that brought me to tears...
"Rosa Parks sat, so MLK could walk, so Obama could run so WE could fly."

Perfection!