When I stepped out of the ceremony holding my certificate in my hand it was a new

feeling for me to be called a citizen.

The process of becoming an American citizen is an interesting one. Unlike those who are born here and are automatically citizens  or young individuals who become a citizens when their parents became one, I had to go through the process by myself since I am legally an adult.

The test contains an oral session and six questions. Overall, the tester needs to know 100 questions before the test and isnot aware of which ones that will be asked. The test also includes a written session. The test is fairly easy but it requires preparation such as memorizing a lot of information.

The officer who is testing you will let you know if you have passed the test or not the day of, which is a good thing. After passing the test, the rest is a waiting game. It takes about three weeks to a month before they invite you to the oath ceremony.

During an oath ceremony, you have to take an oath saying that you will be loyal to the United States and give up loyalty to other countries. When I looked around me there were more than 100 people who were taking their last step to becoming a citizen on that day. Seeing the name of countries that are represented that day goes to show how diverse America is.

There are many privileges that come with being a citizen, which can sometimes be neglected if those privileges are gained without smallest effort.

As an 18-year-old citizen now, I have the right to vote which is very fortunate considering how fast the elections are approaching.