Musings: Turning gratitude into action, lesson by lesson
People arrive before the start of a naturalization ceremony. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Many of us have been through challenging times, and if we were fortunate, we can remember the individuals who showed us kindness. We are grateful for their assistance, but how can we reciprocate?
Perhaps rather than just giving thanks, paying it forward as a volunteer may be more fruitful.
This spring, I found the ideal volunteer opportunity, a nonprofit organization, Citizenship Coalition, providing free remote tutoring to green card holders who are preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and interview.
People seeking help in this program are community members who juggle full time jobs and family responsibilities. They spend hours, often late at night, studying for their naturalization exam and interview.
In my experience, many immigrants are fearful of embarking on the final stages of their journey toward citizenship, lacking confidence in their ability to demonstrate English language proficiency and adequate knowledge of the U.S. government and its history.
If you think this process is easy, you would be mistaken.
Applying for citizenship has become more expensive, with most applicants paying more than $700. Processing times have lengthened, averaging 10 months, and the exam and interview have become more rigorous. As a result, anxiety mounts. Tutors not only help prepare green card holders for exam day but also help them develop confidence in their ability to succeed and fulfill this most important goal: U.S. citizenship.
The gratitude from immigrants being tutored online one-on-one is like nothing I’ve experienced. Their lives and well-being — and those of their families — are at stake.
The process is mutually beneficial, also enriching the lives of the volunteers. I was invited to attend the oath ceremony of the first person I worked with; it was rewarding and humbling.
Serving as a volunteer has not only helped me pay it forward but has broadened my appreciation for a community that wants nothing more than to work hard and enjoy the opportunities that U.S. citizenship makes possible.
If you are looking to make a positive difference, consider becoming a volunteer with a nonprofit such as the Citizenship Coalition or Welcome.US.
— Carolyn Faggioni, Bellmore
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