Helping others become Americans

Emilia Carrillo makes it her business to help new immigrants to the United States attain the dream of becoming an American citizen by volunteering her time to teach them the finer points of American culture and history.

Because of the passion she exudes in her pursuit to help others, Carrillo has been awarded a Spirit of Freedom Award in the Sharing and Caring category.

To be considered for the Sharing and Caring award, the nominee must be someone who makes a difference because of what they do for others through the spirit of community and volunteerism.

Brad Dierdorf was also nominated in this category.

The Yuma Sun is presenting awards in four other categories: Future of America, Shaping Our Youth, American Dream, and Leading by Example.

The Yuma Sun's core values include lifelong learning, community, self-responsibility, integrity, and respect for individual freedom. The recipients of the Spirit of Freedom Awards were chosen because they have demonstrated these traits in their lives.

Carrillo was nominated by Patricia Fajardo.

“Emilia Carrillo is an adult educator who goes beyond her 40-hour work week, making visits to students' homes and working evenings and weekends to assure that her students are well prepared for many of their upcoming citizenship interviews," wrote Fajardo.

"She has taken the time to not only teach, but to listen.  Her uncanny ability to offer more than lessons in the classroom provides students with the life skills needed to become not only citizens of the United States, but an integral part of the Yuma community.

"She has met President Bush, state senators, and has been to the Arizona Capitol to make sure that the voice of the Yuma community does not go unspoken. This has also led her to Washington, D.C.  I believe that Emilia would be a wonderful representative of all things Yuma.” 

Carrillo, who teaches citizenship classes at Salida Del Sol School, said getting the award is a wonderful experience.

"I don’t feel like I deserve it, there must be others that deserve it more. I volunteer to teach people how to become citizens by learning English, American history and how the government works.

"I don't feel like this is a job, it is a pleasure to help them. That is my biggest award."

Carrillo said she does her best to help integrate her students into American culture.

"I feel my mission is to help them become patriotic, and to help them love this country and to really learn to appreciate what it means to be an American citizen. I want them to become a citizen of heart and to become involved in the community and to help each other. I want to pass on the spirit of knowledge and patriotism, and teach them how to share with and care for each other."

Carrillo said she was born in Chicago but was raised in Mexico.

"I  moved to Yuma at 17 and had to learn English just like my students. This experience allows me to help my students because I know how difficult it is. If I can help somebody, I will do it."