By NATALIE HOLTON
One Holmes County resident, Ana Tiltu-Chestnut, has become a citizen of the United States. She came to the U.S. from a small village in Moldova in 2007.
Ana was allowed to study in a country of her choice through a university program. “I was always fascinated about the US as a child, learning about it in school and seeing it on the map,” said Chestnut. “It became my dream to visit one day.”
After her dream became a reality, she stayed in the United States and obtained a Green Card. In 2016 she married Michael Chestnut, a resident of Holmes County. “I have no other direct family here, it’s just us,” said Ana. “We go and visit Moldova when we get the opportunity.”
To become a citizen, Ana was required to be tested on U.S. government and history, to take an interview, and to take an oath of allegiance. “I found the process to be both challenging and rewarding,” said Ana Chestnut. “It required a lot of time and effort, but also provided me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Out of all the milestones in her life, Ana says September 25, 2024, will always be special to her. “That’s the day I became a proud U.S. Citizen and I’m excited about the future this country can offer,” said Chestnut. She also expressed that she was eager to vote in the upcoming election, her first since becoming a citizen.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 