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While many of us born in the USA could comfortably call ourselves "Americans," one cannot help but wonder what truly makes an American. After eight years of an extraneous process, Dennis Sandoval, at the age of 26, finally received his citizenship. Born in Guatemala, Dennis moved to the USA with his parents when he was six months old. He knows no other way of life but American. The irony is in what is "American" to those of us born in the USA.
At the age 18, Sandoval began the process of applying for citizenship. In the meantime, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years, which included a Tour of Duty in Iraq in 2004.
"Everyone asks if I shot anyone in Iraq," Dennis said, explaining he was not in Iraq with the mentality to shoot everyone or anyone. "I was shot at and I shot back, and I did what I had to and came home."
When asked if he was afraid, Sandoval did not hesitate to answer.
"Of course you feel fear; you just can't stop to think about it," Sandoval said.
Sandoval explained that the people from Iraq had two views of Americans. One side was happy to see Americans helping, and the other side hated Americans. After Saddam Hussein was thrown out of power, Americans were no longer wanted because many Iraqis did not want Americans to tell them how to live.
"I do not agree with the war, nor for our troops being there," Sandoval said.
However, Sandoval believes that if people in our country had to live the military experience, it would increase appreciation of life in our country. After serving in Iraq, Dennis learned to appreciate life more fully, causing a change in how he views everything.
"People would appreciate what they have and not spend money on things they can not afford, just to show off to people who don't even care," Sandoval said. "I don't sweat the little things nor the big things either. You can have a million dollars and a million material things, but when you die you cannot take any of it with you."
As for disadvantages to not being an American citizen, there were many.
Having risked his life as a soldier in Iraq, Dennis could have lost it while stuck in a process and not knowing if he would live to gain his citizenship. Serving in the military as a non-citizen, Sandoval was limited to being a cook, a truck driver, or a grunt worker. And, although serving his country, Sandoval was not allowed to vote.
After completing his military duty, Sandoval began attending Chaffey.
Although he has received his Associates in Information Technology, he is still taking math classes. Sandoval has also transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to pursue his bachelors in information technology. In addition, Dennis works part-time at the (DPS) Disability Center on our Rancho campus, as a technician apprentice.
Sandoval's favorite class at Chaffey was Philosophy 82, with Professor Ryan Falcioni.
"I learned so much from him, more than anyone else," Sandoval said. "It is hard to imagine how one person could make such a big difference in so many lives. Some other favorite classes were automotive and CIS classes."
While many of us have heroes, Sandoval said he does not believe in heroes. His favorite sport is snowboarding, enjoys rock music, and admits he is distant from his Guatemalan roots. Sandoval said he did however learn Spanish and eats Guatemalan food at home.
"Technically, people just don't want you here," Sandoval said. "I served my country and I am not a leech."
Citizenship for Sandoval came with a sense of relief and hope of acceptance from what he has always known to be his country.
"Take advantage of school, and take advantage of life," Sandoval said as a final note to students.
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