FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Northern Arizona University sophomore distance runner Alejandro Montano, in what he calls one of the most important moments of his life, fulfilled a lifelong dream in becoming a citizen of the United States Friday at the Sandra Day O'Connor Courthouse in Phoenix.

"I'm so grateful for this opportunity," said Montano. "Growing up I always heard about and looked up to this country, and it's given me so many opportunities [since I moved here permanently], so knowing that now I'm a part of it means a lot to me."

Montano spent most of the first 14 years of his life in the Mexican city of Hermosillo, a city of over half a million people in the country's northwestern corner. Though he spent time visiting the United States at ages 10 and 12 through the efforts of his father, Montano moved to Tucson permanently in eighth grade and graduated from Catalina Magnet High School in 2011.

The mid-morning ceremony in Arizona's capital, presided over by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Roslyn Silver, was made even more special by Montano's opportunity to speak about his story in front of his soon-to-be fellow citizens.

"Toward the end of the ceremony, the judge asked if anyone would want to share their story," recalled Montano. "A professor complimented me the week before saying that we needed more citizens like me. That compliment really touched me, so I wanted to share it with everyone and tell them that together we can make this country a better nation."

The naturalization process began for Montano during that eighth-grade year when he obtained a green card and established permanent residency in the United States. The Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that a person, before they apply for naturalization, hold that position for five years, be of legal age (18), be a person of good moral character, be able to read, write, and speak English, and have an understanding of U.S. history and government.

Having fulfilled those requirements this year at 20 years of age, Montano was then required to have passport-style pictures taken, submit various application documents for review, be fingerprinted at a USCIS location, and finally schedule an interview and civics test administered by a USCIS officer.

As an American citizen, Montano will now be able to enjoy a number of benefits taken for granted by many natural-born citizens. He will now be able to be employed by the federal government, travel with a U.S. passport, and become an elected official if he so desires, in addition to being able to vote in federal and state elections every year for the rest of his life.

Montano's teammates and coaches can attest to his drive to making those around him better, as well as the outstanding character and humility the sophomore carries with him on and off the track.

"He's a phenomenal person, and is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Eric Heins. "He brings so much to the team day in and day out. He brings a great attitude, shows up on race day, never makes excuses, and is always the guy giving you 110% percent of what he has."

Montano's teammate Diego Estrada, who received his own American citizenship less than 18 months ago, attested to the deep meaning and great value of becoming a citizen of a country that has given Montano so much in his young life.

"Becoming a citizen was special for me, but I think for Alejandro it means a lot more, because even though he hasn't been in this country for that long it's completely turned his life around," said Estrada, whose naturalization ceremony in November 2011 took place at the very same courthouse. "Alejandro is a leader without really trying to be, and after hearing about the speech he gave before giving his oath, I know the guy just wants to do good things with his citizenship."