With the current political issue about immigration in our country, it is timely and an extra special occasion that my Naturalization Ceremony is concelebrated with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here on the island of Guam, on Friday January 12th 2018

President Donald Trump in a video message: “It is with great pride that I welcome you into the American family. No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, our country is now your country, our history is now your history and our traditions are now your traditions.You will enjoy the full rights and the sacred duties that come with American citizenship.”

I have been working as an E. R. Nurse for 4 and a half years and being a part of the community where taking care of people during their most undesirable health conditions brings me closer to the heart of the people of Guam. When I emigrated from the Philippines I carried the values and discipline of a Filipino nurse – compassion, being respectful and hardworking. Just like those whom have came here on this island before me, these values have been intertwined to what we call the Hafa Adai spirit. The welcoming hospitality to others, the willingness to help and the respect for elders. Just like in the mainland, Guam is also a melting pot of culture and diversity.

Becoming a naturalized American citizen gives deeper connection and meaning to that Hafa Adai culture that I embraced when I came here 5 years ago.

The principles that Dr. Martin Luther King believed and have fought for, is the exact same principles that we should embody in these times of political divide concerning immigration rights.

As the keynote speaker of the event Mr. Michael Gadsden have said, we must be encouraged to fully participate and engage in the ‘democracy of America’.