Born in Ireland, Karen Rooney says it's a "privilege and honor to be part of Mayo Clinic Health System." She worked in Ireland's largest acute care hospital for 15 years in different roles, including management, teaching and providing bedside care, before moving to Minnesota and working at Mayo Clinic Health System.

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Citizenship is about gaining a new home, rights, responsibilities and a sense of belonging.

There are many facets to becoming a citizen of the United States. For Karen Rooney, a nurse in the ICU at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, the process means more than legal recognition.

Rooney shares some thoughts on the journey she and her family took to become U.S. citizens and how her co-workers helped her celebrate in style after her achievement.

When and how did you become a US citizen?

When we moved to the U.S. from Ireland in 2015, we were here on my husband's work visa. After applying for green cards immediately, we received them in March 2018. After five years, we could apply for citizenship.

The process was surprisingly quick. My husband, eldest daughter Katie and I passed our civics test, interviewed in June, and were sworn in as U.S. citizens at the RiverCenter in St. Paul on July 12. According to the requirements, our other children under 18 automatically gained citizenship because a parent earned it.

How did your colleagues help you celebrate?

My co-workers threw a lovely party to celebrate. It was a total surprise and an extraordinary moment. The pictures say it all.

How did you celebrate Independence Day this year? What does citizenship mean to you?

Independence Day reminds us of how proud we are now as U.S. citizens. I worked on July Fourth, but we sat and watched the fireworks after work.

We can't help but think of how much more meaningful it is to us this year. We are so proud of our children's academic, sporting, work-related and volunteering achievements in giving time back. What they had to overcome to be as successful as they are was huge and something that will shape their lives forever. 

There are many reasons I'm proud to have gained citizenship. I got my registered nurse license transferred from Ireland to the U.S., we overcame countless hurdles, and now I work for the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The process was so worth it.

What do you want staff to know about your experience of becoming a citizen?

The biggest drawback of moving to another country is not having family support and a network around you. If you are lucky to have family nearby, don't take them for granted. They are a blessing.