Lorna Schofield, I would probably never know about her in my life, if I didn't apply for US citizenship. She is the first Filipino American judge in the history!!! Not only that, she did my (well, and other 160 people?) ceremony for naturalization.

When I thought about being an American, I didn't feel anything special. Many people become American everyday and it didn't seem difficult thing and it wasn't difficult for me either except the processing fee was painful. When I told people I am becoming US citizen, they simply told me "Congratulations" and I honestly I didn't understand what's so proud to be an American. 

The whole view changed because of this judge!!! As she entered the ceremony room, this small lady stood in front of us and first thing she mentioned was she is the first Filipino American judge appointed by Obama and she just recently became a judge. She shared the story other judges told her being at naturalization ceremony is one of the best thing to do as a judge and I just wanted to roll my eyes and tell her "They gotta be kidding!!!" Well, she continued with her story....her mother was born in Philippines, married American soldier, moved to America and became an American. She became very emotional and choked....tears in her eyes.... 

I am VERY sure her mother was one strong woman to raise a future judge!!!!

I was so happy that this new judge represented my naturalization process. I was even able to shake her hand! 

She also explained what it's like to be as an American and strongly emphasized  that in this country, it is illegal to be discriminated. Oh, how I wish I was able to record what she said! It was so so so so good but of course with my poor memory, the details are gone. (already!!!) However, I will never forget about what was delivered to my heart as an American and now I am proud to be one of them. Thank you, judge! You are the best!

アメリカ人になる宣誓式（？）で、この裁判官がしきってくれました。アメリカの歴史上初の、フィリピン系アメリカ人。そして、数ヶ月前に裁判官になったばかりで、彼女もこの宣誓式をやるのは初めて。挨拶をするとき、自分のお母さんもフィリピンで生まれ、アメリカ兵と結婚して、アメリカに来て、あなたたちと同じ様にアメリカ人になったのよ・・・・と、涙を流しながら語ってくれました。

確かに彼女のお母さんは、裁判官になるようなすばらしい人間を故郷はなれた国でなしとげるのは、さぞかし大変だっただろう。私もつられて、涙が出てしまいました。

アメリカは、他国とは違い、とても簡単にアメリカ人にさせてくれる、まれな国なくせに、まだまだ人種差別もあり、あなたたちも差別にあってきた事でしょう・・・・でもそれはこの国では違法な事です。

と。

そして、ほかの国とは違い、Juryシステムがあり、国民が法を知り、正しく裁かれるところだから、あなたたちも、Juryの呼び出しがあったら、がんばって参加してほしい。

と。

ほかにも素敵な事をスピーチしてくれて、アメリカ人になっても、わたしゃあ日本人だよって思っていたけど、アメリカ人になるっていう事は、なかなかすごいことだなって思いました。だから、今までアメリカ人になるんだよって言うと、おめでとう！！！って言われても意味がわからなかったけど、今は、本当にありがたい。

Juryにも行きたいけど、小さい子供がいるとちょっと（かなり）難しいな。どうなるかなあ？

ニューアメリキャンギャル