For most of us listening, becoming a citizen was an involuntary act—we were born here, so we were citizens. But, for about 750,000 people per year, becoming a United States citizen is a choice. They wait, they apply, they study, they take a test—and, only if they pass do they get in. Mor Aframian moved from Israel to Charlotte with her family as a child. She went to NC State University; got a bachelor’s and master’s degrees; started two companies; and then, she had a choice. Where did she belong? Did she want to be a citizen here? She chose the U.S. and North Carolina. On this Fourth of July episode, I think you’ll be interested in why she chose the U.S., how stressful an hard the citizenship test is, what it felt like to vote for the first time, and how this citizen “thing” is going for her, five years in.

This installment is part of a special 13-segment series produced in collaboration with UNC-TV, and recorded in UNC-TV’s Legislative Studio in downtown Raleigh. We are excited to share the First in Future podcast via traditional means and via taped segments to air on the North Carolina Channel! Check back soon for specific air dates.