As a child in the Philippines, Marie Chin Hofilena Day walked to and from school in slippers, studied by candlelight, and dreamed of someday living in America.
“I had a dream to get myself out of poverty and help other people who struggle,” she said, holding back tears. “The only way to do that is to go to America and make my dream come true.”
She finished nursing school in the Philippines, then waited six years for her Visa. During those six years she went to medical school in the Philippines and became a doctor. She arrived in America in 2017.
Marie Chin Hofilena Day stood in the Queensbury High School auditorium on March 27, 2024, held up her right hand, took the oath of allegiance, and became a citizen of the United States. She was invited to speak at the ceremony.
“My American dream has come true,” she said. “Through grit, good habits, hard work, resiliency and discipline, your American dream will come true, regardless of where you came from.”
Her speech received a standing ovation from the audience, which included high school juniors and seniors, who chanted “U.S.A.” after 32 people from 19 countries became U.S. citizens.
“I think it’s fitting to compare what you are doing today to our mission statement,” said Queensbury High School Principal Andrew Snide, “to empower all students to be lifelong learners, inspired to pursue their dreams and contribute to the global community. It’s about helping students like you become the best versions of yourself. We want students to keep learning, dreaming big and making positive impacts on the world.”
Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon encouraged the students in attendance to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy by being born American citizens. He thanked the new citizens for sharing this experience with the school community.
“The Queensbury Union Free School District is honored to be a part of your journey,” Gannon said, “and we look forward to celebrating not only the milestones you have achieved but also the countless contributions you will make to the ongoing story of America.”
Queensbury High School senior Shiv Patel led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance and then read “The New Colossus,” a sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus written in 1883 to raise money for the construction of a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty.
This sonnet is inscribed on a plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and presents a welcoming symbol of freedom to the immigrants arriving here in America, said Patel, whose parents emigrated from India to seek a better future.
“Lazarus’ words are more than just a poem,” he said, “but a beacon of hope that emphasizes the nation’s values of inclusivity, compassion and a promise of freedom and opportunity to all.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who presided over the official proceedings, told the new citizens that they were becoming part of a 240-year experiment that was based upon equality, diversity and freedom.
“All of us, with very few exceptions, are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants,” said Stewart, who said his family emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1798. “I’m sure they arrived with all the same hopes and the same dreams that you have and with the belief that this country presents endless possibilities.”
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
