Reflecting on 50 Years as an American

On the 250th anniversary of the United States, I reflect on a personal milestone of my own: 50 years as an American citizen. My journey began when I left the Soviet Union with my mother, who was divorced, and my grandmother, who was widowed. We departed in December 1975.

Our travels took us through Vienna and Rome, and we finally arrived in Los Angeles on April 28, 1976. This was just in time for the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. At 6 years old, I found myself in a new country full of possibilities.

Now, decades later, I’ve experienced 20 percent of the entire history of the United States. My gratitude for my mother and grandmother’s decision to bring me here is immeasurable, as it shaped my life in profound ways.