The path to citizenship was 21 years in the making for Dinora Tellez.
"I didn't have many opportunities in my country," said Tellez.
Tellez moved to the US from Mexico at just 16-years-old.
She didn't speak English but says she was determined to learn.
She always dreamed of one day calling herself an American.
Tellez is just one of ten Staten Islanders who gained their citizenship in June with the help of the Y.M.C.A.'s "New Americans Welcome Center."
The center serves hundreds of immigrants every year from all over the world.
English courses, legal services, and job readiness are among the programs offered, all for free.
"I did it. I learned,” exclaimed Tellez. “And now I can say -- everybody can reach their goals and dreams."
Not only are students perfecting their language skills and learning more about American history, they're also getting to know their home borough.
"We try in each of our classes to teach them about local resources, using the transportation, where are the hospitals, where other social services are," said Joanne Springstead, the Program Director for the New Americans Welcome Center.
Springstead also says the program can open many doors for immigrants with job assistance and gaining independence
That’s something students say they'll always be grateful for.
"I learned here more confidence living in America," said Seona Kim, another student at the New Americans Welcome Center.
"I'm very happy, it's really a dream come true," added Tellez.
Tellez says the sky's the limit now.
Next up: getting her high school diploma.