I recently received my dual citizenship, proudly making me a citizen in the USA and Ireland. This is an accomplishment, which represents my heartfelt desire to pay tribute to my family culture and heritage, particularly my grandparents, who both immigrated to America from Ireland in the mid-20th Century. The goals of my accomplishment were both emotional and practical; creating a greater connection between my past family generations, and enhancing my future academic, business, and travel opportunities.
I am so proud of my grandparents for all they accomplished. In Ireland, my grandfather was a farmer and was designated to inherit the family farm as the eldest son, but gave his birthright to his younger brother, sacrificing a safe life in hopes of a better one in America. My grandmother was my age, only 18 years old, when she set out on her own to America with only a promise of a distant relative meeting her at the gates of Ellis Island. They came separately by ship to the United States, leaving their families behind like the many immigrants before them. After meeting in Boston, they were married. Due to poor economic conditions, they moved to California in search of greater opportunities. They struggled to find work, picking up any small jobs they could find in order to make a living. My grandparents managed to work hard and stay persistent through those difficult times. They eventually became successful business people, starting a family business, Ryan Mortgage Company, which my dad and my uncle continue to run.
My grandparents passed their values down to me to be independent and to work hard for what I want. I grew up having dinner table debates with them, partly for entertainment, but mostly to teach me to stand behind what I believe. I consider myself to be a very strong-willed person who has a fierce sense of morality. Through them, I learned many lessons at a young age. I learned to be humble yet confident, mature while at the same time being true to my age, and to be a person that shows respect for all people, including myself.
Their aspirations for their children and grandchildren are to lead the best and most successful lives we can. One of the ways to accomplish this is to learn more about my roots. Becoming a dual citizen gives me invaluable benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Ireland, as well as throughout the European Union. When I study abroad, the cost will be more affordable, allowing me to gain invaluable learning and cultural experiences. When I go to Ireland to visit family and explore the country in which my grandparents grew up, I will be permitted to stay for as long as I desire. This also gives me an edge for future business opportunities. However, the most important benefit of my Irish citizenship is that it can be passed down to my children, allowing them the eligibility to apply for, and potentially gain, the same benefits that I now have.
Attaining my dual citizenship is an enriching personal experience, giving me a sense of belonging that makes me feel more connected with my family and our history. I now have a deeper appreciation for my grandparents and our family as a whole. Through this process, I created a connection to a world of my past that makes me feel more stable in my present, giving me the aspiration to travel and to become more immersed in my Irish heritage. Gaining this new perspective of my family and our values will surely provide a sense of stability and connection for my family as it grows.