When Miriam Lopez arrived in the US in 2000, she came for the same reason most people do: to make a better life for herself and her family. Over the years, she has worked hard, put down roots, and is now the proud mother of three daughters and a six-year employee at Mountaire Farms, a poultry plant in Siler City. Her oldest daughter has recently been accepted into Wake Forest Unive
Miriam is especially proud to have become a US Citizen in November 2023. “I always wanted to become a citizen,” Miriam explained. “I now feel safer and more secure while my family and I pursue a good life here.”
She studied to become a citizen at home for one year with the help and support of her daughters. She soon realized that she needed more assistance and joined the Chatham Literacy Citizenship tutoring program.
“My tutor was excellent,” Miriam said. “She really helped me understand everything. When I finally took the test, I found it very easy. I was so well prepared.”
Her positive experience next prompted her to take ESOL (English) classes with Chatham Literacy.
Chatham Literacy is pleased to report that more than 153 of our students have become U.S. citizens since the program began in 2008, 11 in the last year alone.
Our dedicated tutors help people who want to become citizens study for the citizenship test. Students learn about the history, government structure, and civic responsibilities of the US. Our students delve into topics such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the branches of government, and the rights and freedoms that define this nation.
The rigorous preparation and focused study that students like Miriam undertake for the citizenship test reflect a commitment to understanding and embracing the duties and privileges of U.S. citizenship. Chatham Literacy applauds Miriam and former U.S. ciitzen graduates, and all eleven of our newest citizens!
If you would like to become a Citizenship tutor, please call our Program Coordinator, Leslie Ocampo, at 919-742-0578 or email us admin@chathamliteracy.org. Visit our website at chathamliteracy.org/programs for more information.