Resident Alien

Imagine growing up and not knowing that you're different than your local neighborhood friends. For most of my young childhood, I did not know that I wasn't a U.S. citizen. I found out as I was an adolescent and my "green card" was shown to me.

My first reaction was that I was adorable. My next reaction, as a kid who believes in extraterrestrials, was, "Cool, I'm a Resident Alien!"

Of course, my green card wasn't green. It had some wavy lines across that were pink. And did I mention I thought I was adorable?

Anyhow, I grew up very interested in the topic of government. For being a permanent resident and not a U.S. citizen, I loved civics and this country. I grew up in the eighties and nineties, where it seems pride in your country was taught, encouraged and celebrated!

I think it's so sad that as an adult, now chanting, "U.S.A." in support of your team, in the U.S.A. is considered hateful. I personally don't get the hate behind chanting your country's name. But then again, I grew up in a different time. Regardless, another big thing I love about this country is the citizens' right to vote.

Of course, it's not a perfect system. But my grandfather, who is the reason our family is in this country, taught me that you have to exercise your rights. Voting is an important right when you become a U.S. citizen. It is your voice and you should never shut up! He would also continually offer to send me to Tecolotlan or Guadalajara to stay with family so I could appreciate my life here in the states more.

I tried to instill a sense of pride to be in and from the United States in my children. It's just a lot more difficult for them to understand when they were born here with these inalienable rights. They've honestly never been without so all the stories of their parents plights are just that. Stories.

But my message to the two old enough to vote is simple. I don't care who you vote for. Your vote is your voice. Just get out there and vote. It doesn't matter if you feel like it makes a difference. It does. But it's worse if you don't exercise your right. The important thing is that you voted. So my message to everyone is, if you're a U.S. citizen, get out and vote!

If you're not a U.S. citizen, then become one, so you can legally vote. Your vote is your voice!