Reeds Spring Teacher a Step Closer to Citizenship

A teacher in the Reeds Spring School District will soon become a citizen of the country she already serves.

The full release from the school district is below:

Mrs. Samantha Dilliner has a long history of service, from the Coast Guard to the classroom. She did it all in America, despite being a British citizen.

“I was born in Bristol, England, and we moved to California when I was around three,” Dilliner said.

After high school, Dilliner joined the Coast Guard. After her tour of duty, she got married, started a family, and then finished college and became a teacher.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. I figure life is hard enough for people, especially hard for kids. We all have our lot in life, and this is mine, I guess," Dilliner said.

Dilliner recently learned that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services waives citizenship application fees for veterans.

"I never knew that before. I can't believe nobody told me," Dilliner said.

So, she filled out all the paperwork and is waiting for the swearing-in date. She also used her experience as a lesson for her third-grade students.

"I feel way more supported than I ever expected. I always thought it (not being a citizen) was kind of a negative, and now I'm seeing it the other way. I'm grateful, really grateful," she said.