Now that Mahmoud Elmiari has become a citizen of the United States, he feels right at home.
After attempts at finding the right school in Lebanon, Elmiari traveled to the United States in 2004 for a better opportunity to follow his dream.
“My goal in life was to study physical therapy,” Elmiari said.
On April 2, Elmiari was granted citizenship at the federal building in Columbus, Ohio. A week later, some of his instructors and classmates in the Physical Therapy program at Sinclair Community College threw the 33-year-old a party.
Elmiari gave a speech where he thanked everyone that has helped him to this point in the program.
“I told them that I don’t feel alone over here,” he said. “I have a family over here that cares about me.”
Elmiari lived with a temporary permit when he enrolled at Sinclair in 2006. In the fall of 2008, Elmiari entered the Physical Therapy program. Since then, Elmiari has studied hard and formed life-long relationships.
“It’s a lot of studies, but I have a lot of friends,” he said. “I like my instructors and my classmates.”
Elmiari mentioned his classmates’ willingness to lend a hand when he needed clarification. When comparing school in America to Lebanon, he said, “it’s much easier over here.”
In Lebanon, Elmiari worked for an organization helping the handicapped until his move to the United States.
“This is what encouraged me more to take physical therapy,” he said.
Though the process would take at least 10 years, Elmiari said he would like to apply his entire family for citizenship.
Elmiari is on schedule to graduate in June 2010. After graduation, Elmiari said he “will most likely” stay in the United States.
“I don’t think I could live in (Lebanon) again,” Elmiari said. “I will get better pay and a stable job here.”
Elmiari said he hopes to travel back to Lebanon to see his family this summer, but if he can’t find time, he will definitely visit during Christmas break.
“I’m excited,” he said.