This year has been one hell of a year. I moved to a new city, trained and competed in the NPC after taking a year off. I did incredibly well in those two amazing shows placing first and taking the overall win and most of all I was granted my citizenship for the United States of America July 5th of 2016 (the day after Independence day, crazy).

I have been trying to obtain my certificate for the last two years, knowing I was already a citizen. Most people don’t know this, but if you were brought here by an American citizen parent(s) as a child, you are automatically an American Citizen. Unfortunately for me I could not prove I was a until I got my certificate.

I learned you had to be an American citizen in order to compete in the NPC/IFBB Nationals, which is what held me back from competing in nationals for so long. I knew I was a permanent resident but then became a citizen in 2001…just didn’t have the paperwork to present.

Now, not only do I get to compete, I also get to have the right to vote!!!!

I am grateful to have this amazing opportunity and I will be competing at my first National Competition this is August 31-September 3 2016.

Wish me luck!