Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Posted 01:44 PM, September 26, 2007, by jaruiz

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a U.S. citizen when it is not your birthright? First, you must be a legal, permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years before you apply. Second, when it comes to the citizenship interview, you must demonstrate working knowledge of the English language, and you must pass a test on United States history and government. You will be asked ten questions, and at least six have to be answered correctly. Some questions are easy, such as the number of stripes or the color of stars on the U.S. flag. Some questions are harder; for example, you have to know the thirteen original states, or you have to be able to name the amendments that address voting rights.

After successfully passing the interview, you have to wait for an invitation to the naturalization ceremony. The ceremony I attended was not quite formal; it was, rather, emotional and cheerfully encouraging. It took place in the friendly Campbell Community Theater, which comfortably held 420 new citizens with their families and friends. Several speakers greeted the new citizens, and the most memorable moment was when one of the speakers presented his grandfather's citizenship certificate issued in 1942. Then the long-awaited moment arrived--everyone rose from their seats, facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts and took the U.S. citizenship oath. I took the oath, and I joined the choir of 420 new citizens singing the "Star Spangled Banner."

A pleasant surprise was waiting for me the next morning when I came into my office. My cubicle was decorated with small flags and flowers, and there was a greeting card signed by all my co-workers and friends. There was more! A big homemade cake with cream cheese and strawberry stripes and fifty blueberry stars was waiting for me in the office kitchen (a special big thanks to Elaine Standifer!). I was amazed and touched by my colleagues' attention and care. Thanks a lot, guys!

I have always felt a sense of family at Stanford: from the time I came to the Stanford emergency room as a volunteer in 2003; completed my medical coding internship in the Anesthesia Department; and, finally, was hired by Stanford Radiology. At Stanford, I have always been surrounded by very nice people who have shaped my professional skills, provided me with valuable advice, and who have been good friends. So, thank you for making this very important day of my life even more memorable and fun!

Elaine Standifer made a "flag" cake to celebrate Galyna's new title as a U.S. citizen.

From l-r: Maureen Wong, billing supervisor; Galyna Pecherska, coder; Elaine Standifer, coder; Sandra Bowers, coder; Deja Goodson, revenue specialist; Darryl Costales, reimbursement manager; Liliya Semernina, coder; and Jyotsna Mahindrakar, coder.

Comments

Galyna,

I'm happy to hear that you have become a U.S. citizen! I understand that the process is difficult, and I am in support of legislation that would make it easier for people like you to gain citizenship.

I read that you are a medical coder and didn't know what that was. So I looked it up and it seems like a rewarding career for people to learn about and pursue. I'm now considering a career in that field.

Again, congratulations on citizenship! And let me join with your colleages in giving you a warm welcome!

--Katie

Comment by: Katie Ludlow at January 17, 2008 01:52 PM