Two years ago, Ethiopian refugee Negatawa B. Tachebele applied to become an American citizen and was turned away — she didn't understand English well enough to take the examination.
She took English as a second language classes with instructor Linda Salem on her days off, riding three buses from downtown to St. Francis Episcopal Church near Wurzbach and Interstate 10.
“This is my country,” she told Salem. “I want to be American like everyone else.”
Salem, impressed with Tachebele's fortitude, forged a friendship with the 69-year-old immigrant and offered on-call tutoring sessions.
After her shift washing laundry at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ended, she studied workbooks, listened to tapes and had help from an Ethiopian friend, Alem Berhane. also preparing for the citizenship test. And when she took the immigration and naturalization test and passed, she speed-dialed Salem with the news.
Thursday, Tachebele was one of 235 immigrants from 43 countries gathered at the Institute of Texan Cultures to take the Oath of Allegiance and become American citizens.
Several years ago, Tachebele and two of her seven children came to the United States, like many refugees seeking a better life, economic relief or fleeing political unrest.
Her daughters moved to different states, leaving Tachebele alone. Salem said Tachebele was one of her first pupils to move from the refugee community on the Northwest Side to downtown, so she could walk to work and the church that she regularly attends.
She refused food stamps and said that as long as she is healthy, she'll work and find a job. And Salem said her friend donates $100 a year from her salary to fellow refugees.
“Negatawa can do most anything,” Salem said. “She is hard working.”
The teacher, pupil and Berhane walked into the Institute of Texan Cultures together. They walked past the Texans One and All exhibit, dedicated to settlers from foreign countries seeking the same freedom as those assembled Thursday to take their oaths.
Salem met a former student, Vardeh Zahrooni, who arrived with husband Hatam and son Ardavan, all of whom waited to become American citizens.
“Today we are born again,” said Zahrooni, originally from Iran. “I'm very proud I'm here and glad to see my kids grow up. We're all after the same thing: happiness, safety and all self-expression.”
“This has been waiting for you for a long time,” Salem said, handing a small U.S. flag to Tachebele before she took her seat.
The U.S. Army Medical Command Band played several patriotic songs that drew applause and flag-waving from the crowd. The Cole High School Honor Guard posted the colors as family and friends watched.
Judge Xavier Rodriguez told the audience that his mother was born outside Monterrey, Mexico, and his parents came from humble beginnings.
“This is indeed a great country where all things are possible,” Rodriguez said. “I wish you well on your journey as you embark on citizenship today.”
Salem looked on with pride as her pupil raised her right hand and promised to defend the Constitution.
After videos of national monuments, military might and aftermath of natural disasters flashed on multiple screens, Rodriguez released the new citizens to join their families.
Tachebele found Salem amid the crowd, hugging her and whispering “thank you” in both ears.
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| Negatawa B. Tachebele (left) and Alem Berhane show their certificates of naturalization after becoming U.S. citizens |
“This is my country,” she told Salem. “I want to be American like everyone else.”
Salem, impressed with Tachebele's fortitude, forged a friendship with the 69-year-old immigrant and offered on-call tutoring sessions.
After her shift washing laundry at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ended, she studied workbooks, listened to tapes and had help from an Ethiopian friend, Alem Berhane. also preparing for the citizenship test. And when she took the immigration and naturalization test and passed, she speed-dialed Salem with the news.
Thursday, Tachebele was one of 235 immigrants from 43 countries gathered at the Institute of Texan Cultures to take the Oath of Allegiance and become American citizens.
Several years ago, Tachebele and two of her seven children came to the United States, like many refugees seeking a better life, economic relief or fleeing political unrest.
Her daughters moved to different states, leaving Tachebele alone. Salem said Tachebele was one of her first pupils to move from the refugee community on the Northwest Side to downtown, so she could walk to work and the church that she regularly attends.
She refused food stamps and said that as long as she is healthy, she'll work and find a job. And Salem said her friend donates $100 a year from her salary to fellow refugees.
“Negatawa can do most anything,” Salem said. “She is hard working.”
The teacher, pupil and Berhane walked into the Institute of Texan Cultures together. They walked past the Texans One and All exhibit, dedicated to settlers from foreign countries seeking the same freedom as those assembled Thursday to take their oaths.
Salem met a former student, Vardeh Zahrooni, who arrived with husband Hatam and son Ardavan, all of whom waited to become American citizens.
“Today we are born again,” said Zahrooni, originally from Iran. “I'm very proud I'm here and glad to see my kids grow up. We're all after the same thing: happiness, safety and all self-expression.”
“This has been waiting for you for a long time,” Salem said, handing a small U.S. flag to Tachebele before she took her seat.
The U.S. Army Medical Command Band played several patriotic songs that drew applause and flag-waving from the crowd. The Cole High School Honor Guard posted the colors as family and friends watched.
Judge Xavier Rodriguez told the audience that his mother was born outside Monterrey, Mexico, and his parents came from humble beginnings.
“This is indeed a great country where all things are possible,” Rodriguez said. “I wish you well on your journey as you embark on citizenship today.”
Salem looked on with pride as her pupil raised her right hand and promised to defend the Constitution.
After videos of national monuments, military might and aftermath of natural disasters flashed on multiple screens, Rodriguez released the new citizens to join their families.
Tachebele found Salem amid the crowd, hugging her and whispering “thank you” in both ears.
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