Celebrating Milestones
Lil De Oleo’s Journey to U.S. Citizenship and Her Role at YMCA of Frederick County
At the YMCA of Frederick County, we pride ourselves on building stronger communities by supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth. This is exemplified by the inspiring journey of Lil De Oleo, our Head Start Education Coordinator, who recently achieved a significant milestone—becoming a U.S. citizen.
A Journey Rooted in Determination
Lil De Oleo’s story begins in the Dominican Republic, the second-largest island in the Caribbean. She lived there for most of her life and pursued a major in Psychology. After completing her education, Lil was ready to explore new horizons and moved to the United States, seeking opportunities that would allow her to grow both personally and professionally. Her first stop was Miami, Florida, where she spent two years before making Frederick, Maryland, her home in 2021.
The journey toward U.S. citizenship is not a short one, requiring patience, commitment, and resilience. Lil’s journey began when she became a lawful permanent resident. “In order to apply for citizenship, you must live in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least five years,” Lil explains. Once that milestone was reached, she submitted her application for naturalization, a process that included gathering required documents, paying fees, and preparing for the next steps.
The Road to Citizenship
After submitting her application, Lil faced one of the most challenging parts of the naturalization process—the citizenship interview. This interview includes a civics test, where applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history and government, as well as an English language test. “The civics test was the toughest part,” Lil recalls. “You have to learn 100 questions about the U.S., and the officer will randomly ask 10 out of the 100. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass the test.”
Lil prepared rigorously for the interview, studying for weeks and watching different videos to ensure she was ready. Her hard work paid off, and she successfully passed the test. The final step in her journey was the naturalization ceremony, where she took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became a U.S. citizen—a moment of pride and joy for her.
A New Chapter in Frederick
Lil has been with the YMCA’s Head Start program for 10 months, playing a crucial role in supporting early childhood education. Her dedication to the community and passion for education align perfectly with the Y’s mission to nurture the potential of every child.
For Lil, becoming a U.S. citizen is more than just a legal status; it represents a deep sense of belonging and the opportunity to fully engage in American society. “Getting U.S. citizenship is a major achievement for me. It signifies a sense of belonging and the opportunity to fully participate in American society,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Lil is excited about what the future holds. She is planning an international trip to Europe next year, where she will enjoy the benefits of traveling with a U.S. passport. But what excites her the most is the opportunity to participate in the upcoming federal election—a right she has long awaited.
Empowering Communities Through Personal Growth
Lil De Oleo’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of community support. At the YMCA of Frederick County, we celebrate her achievements and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in her role. Lil’s story is a reminder that, together, we can achieve great things—both as individuals and as a community.
