Hi everyone! Or should I say G'day mate! :)
Yesterday was a very special day for me. After 4.5 years in this beautiful country, I got my Australian citizenship at a beautiful citizenship ceremony.
I was quite emotional, proud and happy all at the same time. There were more than 100 people who received their citizenship and probably more than 200 people in total with their friends, kids and other family members. The venue was such a melting pot of cultures with all those people from around the world. Watching them and seeing the excitement in their eyes were so beautiful and special. I must admit that I shed a few tears of happiness too :-)
Reading the pledge
Becoming a citizen of another country doesn't mean that you are turning your back to your country. I was born and raised in Turkey, lived there until I was 29. I am proud of my country, my language, my culture and my background. I try to keep my traditions alive by celebrating the religious festivals and other culturally important days; by cooking traditional Turkish foods, and by continuing being the same person who migrated to Australia a few years ago. However; I love living in Australia, I love this country and being a part of it. I believe that if you are living in a foreign country, you also need to adjust to that life by blending into its culture and traditions and show your respect to it. I believe I have found the right balance...
