05/07/2026
On December 19th, 2019 I was naturalized as an American citizen. By that time I had been living in the US for just over 22 years. I had no idea what I was walking into. I thought I would be taking the oath in a wood paneled room in some insignificant court house in downtown LA with a dozen other people, but what I witnessed was a SEA of over 4000+ immigrants in a gigantic arena! And apparently these oath ceremonies are a daily occurrence!! More than 122 countries were represented, with Mexico at the top of the list. The atmosphere was solitary and celebratory - some people brought family waving flags and cheering, holding flowers and cakes 🥳 We listened to the speakers, sang the song, read the thing and watched a long, pre-recorded speech by DT about the “very, very special” assignment of being an American.
My main reason for becoming a citizen was to exercise my right to VOTE. After 22 years of paying taxes and working hard I thought it appropriate I should have my voice heard, and choose where I sent my hard-earned money. I had a talk about “the American dream” with a friend the other day. I am a prime example of the fact that it exists - or existed? - and is accessible to everyone, especially in New York. You don’t need a big diploma or tons of capital to make something of yourself. At that time I was at the height of my 4th business venture. I had been reinventing myself consistently, propelled by sheer ambition and persistence. Some might call it “luck” but I say it’s “opportunity” and there was plenty of that back then. I studied journalism in Belgium but became a name in the American fashion industry 🤷♀️ English was my 3rd language. I didn’t have a rich daddy. Careers were fluid. You said yes to everything and figured it out later, usually on the job. A positive attitude and openness went such a long way.
So on the 250th birthday of the United States I say cheers and thanks to all those opportunities! I’m doing my “very, very” best to keep my American spirit alive, despite my being miles away. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA, ya bunch of nutters!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
#250