#NerdsUnite: The Ramblings of a Raconteuse (becoming American)
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Helenna. We met on twitter not too long ao, and she's totes mcgotes one rad chiquita banana with a flare for all things flair! That's right, Helenna here is what we call an artsy fartsy nerd. She's a poet, into all things dramatic arts, and she's going to come on board to write each week about her love of said drama. Well not like actual drama drama, like some cat fight shit - but you get the idea.
I only have one thing left to say ... HIT IT HELENNA!!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Helslevy
It’s official. My husband is now an American! Well, technically he’s now a dual US/Canadian citizen and this is pretty much one of the biggest milestones in our lives together to date. We originally started the immigration process about six and a half years ago and it’s been a very long haul.
Thanks to the fact that I was born in the US but my Mother is Canadian, I’ve been a dual citizen my whole life. Mad props to my Mom because as soon as she was able to, she got my certificate of Canadian citizenship and passport, as well as my US passport, and I’m so grateful for that.
For the most part I used to only identify myself as being a Canadian. After all, I spent the majority of my life just outside of Vancouver, BC Canada from the time I was five years old. But, I knew that I wanted to move to LA to really pursue acting and I am one of the lucky few Canadians that didn’t have to worry about getting a Visa in order to make the move.
When I met Barry, moving to LA was something that was also one of his goals and dreams, so as soon as we got engaged we started the immigration process. Fast forward to today and he is a full on citizen! So exciting!!!
The “naturalization” ceremony took place at the LA Convention Center with 10,000 people present. It was really emotional being among the guests and seeing five thousand people sworn in as American citizens at the same time. There is something incredibly powerful about being in a room full of people who have worked so hard to be a part of something that so many people take for granted. I looked around the room at all of the different faces from so many different countries and I felt very honored to be among them to celebrate such a huge milestone.
I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud to be a Canadian. And I am so happy that my husband can now say the same.
#xoxo hels
tweet me at: @helslevy
browse me at: helennasantoslevy.com
email me at: contacthelenna@gmail.com