As I looked around during my naturalization ceremony, I realized that my fellow new Americans had come from all corners of the world. Despite our different journeys, we had one thing in common: the shared belief that the American Dream is still vibrating with life.

My journey to citizenship was inspired by the ideal that America is not a nation defined by race, creed or ethnicity, but instead it is a nation defined by a shared set of values.

My family and I left Colombia, our country of birth, and everything we knew, choosing to be American as an act of faith.

We believe in the promise of opportunity. We believe that if we work hard enough, we have an equal shot at living up to our potential.

When the judge declared us citizens at the naturalization ceremony, the room roared, and I couldn’t help but cry. They were tears of joy and tears of relief. I realized that despite all the struggles, uncertainty and bureaucratic red tape, citizenship and the hope for the American Dream was worth all the sacrifices.

I was thankful for being so fortunate to have the opportunity to become an American citizen. But I also remembered the many other hard-working immigrants who also call America home and who want to contribute to this great nation, yet are denied a fair opportunity to earn their citizenship.

Being an American is much more than apple pie, baseball and that coveted blue passport. It is also the right to vote.

I will no longer be standing on the sidelines of history as others decide on my life and the future of my family. I now have a voice and a vote. I can finally take ownership of my political power. And that is what citizenship is all about.

Throughout America’s history, immigrants have enriched our nation. Their entrepreneurship and diversity of thought help maintain America’s competitive edge.

I am living proof of the success of the immigrant struggle. And as a new American, I am grateful for the legacy of those before me who fought for the freedom to pursue our dreams and happiness.

Katherine Vargas is the press secretary of the National Immigration Forum (www.immigrationforum.org) in Washington, D.C. She can be reached at pmproj [at] progressive [dot] org.