Election season brings out civic pride for newest citizens, adult learners

ESL, GED students share stories of pursuing the American dream

Students preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam at Southern Westchester BOCES often express a deep appreciation for the right to vote and for the opportunity to contribute to their communities through civic participation.

This sentiment is particularly strong during a Presidential election year, when more than 140 million votes were cast—many by first-time voters.

In 2024, approximately 120 students completed SWBOCES’ Citizenship Exam Preparation Course. Among them, three dozen have already been sworn in as naturalized citizens. Many of these students, along with others, also enroll in English as a Second Language and General Equivalency Diploma courses—1,260 students since July—offered at community locations throughout Southern Westchester.

Through hard work and the support of passionate, dedicated instructors, these students are building their American Dream right here in Westchester. A few of them volunteered to share their stories.

Rosanna Lopez arrived in the U.S. in 2018 from Peru with hopes for a brighter future. Starting over, and finding a job despite a language barrier, was daunting.

To support herself, she became a Home Health Aide. This experience reinforced her belief in the value of hard work and determination.

In September 2021, she enrolled in SWBOCES’ GED Exam preparation class, taught by Jose Bohorquez. The class was intense but rewarding, she said, and by June 2022, she had earned her GED. Last year, Rosanna enrolled in SWBOCES’ Medical Assistant program to further her healthcare career, and also in the Citizenship Exam Preparation course with teacher Fatima Braga.

This course gave her a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. In July, she was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, becoming eligible to vote in her first U.S. election.

“Throughout this journey, I have been profoundly grateful for the support and encouragement from the staff and instructors at SWBOCES,” Rosanna said. “Their unwavering belief in my potential inspired me to strive for excellence—both as an individual and as a health professional. They taught me that education is a powerful tool for transformation and that, with dedication and perseverance, I could overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.”

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Andres Ayala came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1995 and settled in New Rochelle. With the support of Ms. Braga, he proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen in October. This achievement marked the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and unwavering hope.

Andres was eager to participate in the democratic process on November 5. He hopes his story will inspire others, demonstrating the power of determination and the enduring promise of the American Dream.

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Yajaira Tapia arrived in the U.S. in 2014 from the Dominican Republic. Seeking a better future, the Mount Vernon resident enrolled in SWBOCES’ Citizenship Exam Preparation course with Ms. Braga in February, at St. Gabriel’s School in New Rochelle. She became an American citizen on October 10.

“I feel great about being able to vote,” Yajaira said of her first election as a U.S. citizen. “I want to be part of the future of the USA.”

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Sarai Merino, a 38-year-old mother of five from Puebla, Mexico, came to the U.S. in 2003 with her family. She spoke no English and felt isolated. "The challenges I faced were immense,” she said. “But my children were my unwavering source of strength.”

She persevered with the support of friends, learned English, and found work. Through SWBOCES, Sarai earned her GED, advanced in her career, and enrolled her son in a special education school. She expressed deep gratitude for those who supported her, including Mr. Bohorquez.

"My goal is to continue my education, pursue a college degree, and provide a better future for my children,” Sarai said.