It was March 9, 1999. I was sent to the Los Angeles Convention Center on assignment to document a ‘mass naturalization ceremony’. Keep in mind, at that time, I was a staff photographer for the Press-Enterprise newspaper based in Riverside, CA.

I remember walking in and loading my Nikon F4 with Fujicolor 800 because the interior was dim. I remember thinking back that film was pretty awesome because it could be pushed to 1600 if needed.

I recall thinking I had to find someone who best epitomized a newly made American citizen among a sea of 5000+ faces.

I walked up and down then peered through my 80-200 zoom and finally saw this lady who was so enthusiastic waving her little Stars and Stripes flag.

Those of you who know anything about how a journalist works will understand that just merely taking a picture means nothing.

Caption information  about “who, why, what, where & when” was just as important. Don’t believe me? Stop reading here.

After the ceremony, I had to hustle to find Maria Garcia,99, and her daughter Magdalena Mastas of Banning, CA. Turns out Ms.Garcia grew up in a little town on the southern tip of Baja, California then moved to Banning.

I share this picture because I feel too many people living here don’t appreciate what this country has meant to them. Ms.Garcia even though she was 99 at the time I took this picture felt that becoming a citizen was just that important, as do I.

When I took this picture I was only a green card holder and I remember being envious of her. I realized then how lucky and thankful I am to be accepted as a citizen when it was my turn. She was an inspiration for me