From the Dominican Republic to Pacifica, a journey of citizenship, homeownership, service, and gratitude.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here and the opportunities this country has given me.
Every Fourth of July, I look up at the fireworks and see more than colorful lights in the sky. I see hope, freedom, opportunity, and the dreams that brought me from the Dominican Republic to America in 1993.
Like every firework that begins with a single spark, my journey began with a dream. When I arrived in the United States, I didn't know exactly what the future would hold, but I believed that through hard work, determination, and faith, I could build a better life. Looking back more than three decades later, I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way and the community that embraced me.
I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 1993. When I settled in Pacifica, California, I never imagined how much this community would become a part of my life and identity.
One of the proudest moments of my life came just three years after arriving in America when I became a United States citizen. I still remember the emotions I felt that day. Becoming a citizen was more than receiving a certificate. It was a commitment to a country that had welcomed me and given me the opportunity to build a future. As I stood among people from different countries taking the Oath of Citizenship, I realized that although our journeys were different, we all shared the same hope: the opportunity to build a better life.
More than three decades later, Pacifica is still my home. It is where I built my life, raised my family, and established deep connections with my neighbors and community. One of the milestones I am most proud of is becoming a homeowner. I still remember the day I received the keys to my first home. For me, it was much more than buying a house. It represented stability, hard work, perseverance, and the realization of a dream that began years earlier when I left my homeland in search of new opportunities.
In 2005, I took another important step and earned my real estate license. Real estate gave me the opportunity to help others achieve the dream of homeownership that had meant so much to me. Helping families find a place to call home deepened my appreciation for the opportunities available in America and the important role a home plays in building strong communities.
America has provided me with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I became an educator, helping students learn and succeed. Later, I became involved in public service and was honored to be elected to the Pacifica City Council, representing District 1. As an immigrant, the ability to serve my community in an elected position is something I never take for granted. It is a reminder that in America, people from all backgrounds can contribute and make a difference.
Just as fireworks light up the sky with many different colors, America is strengthened by people from many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Each person brings something unique, and together we create vibrant communities like the one I am fortunate to call home.
Pacifica welcomed me when I arrived in America and has been my home ever since. For more than 30 years, I have watched our community come together during difficult times, celebrate successes, and support one another as neighbors. From our beautiful coastline to our strong sense of community, Pacifica represents many of the values that have made America strong for 250 years. It is one of the reasons I chose to serve on the City Council and give back to the city that has given so much to me.
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, I am grateful for the opportunities I have received, the people I have met along the way, and the chance to give back to the community that has become my home. Like the fireworks that fill the sky every Independence Day, I believe our hopes, dreams, and contributions continue to shine brightly and inspire future generations.
As the fireworks light up the sky this Independence Day, I will be thinking about the journey that began in the Dominican Republic more than three decades ago and the blessings that followed. America became my home, Pacifica became my community, and service became my way of giving back.
I am proud to be an American citizen because this country welcomed me as an immigrant, gave me the opportunity to become a homeowner, earn my real estate license, become an educator, serve my community as an elected official, and achieve dreams that once seemed impossible.
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