“The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment not of sentiment, but of history.” ~ Woodrow Wilson, 28th U.S. president, quoted for U.S. Flag Day, June 14, 2010
Real Simple magazine ran a beautiful feature this month. It features 6 women who became U.S. citizens last year, and each describes why they chose to become American. This article had an intense effect on me because last week I went on a date with a guy who pronounced how not proud he is to be an American. I replied, “The why don’t you leave?” In case you were wondering, we’re not going on a second date. I can’t date someone who profusely explains that he is not proud to be an American and yet happily uses every government service at his disposal.
As I went home from the date I thought about some concrete reasons of why I am proud to be an American. If I had to choose just one reason it would be because here in this country we can dream as big and bold as we want to. Here are the lead in lines to the article in Real Simple that explain why these women became Americans:
“To live free of fear” ~ Lorraine Lamm, 31, from Kingston, Jamaica
“To be in a place where greatness is encouraged” ~ Monika Kochhar, 28, from Lucknow, India
“To escape oppression” ~ Than Than Aye, 51, from Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma)
“To be with my soul mate” ~ Avishag Mofaz, 44, from Tel Aviv, Israel
“To break with my past” ~ Michele Mitrovich, 28, from Volgograd, Russia
“To give my parents – and myself – a better life” ~ Maria Yoplac, 35, from Lima, Peru
The image above depicts a study pamphlet from 1907 that helped people to study for the exam taken by all perspective American Citizens.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
Real Simple magazine ran a beautiful feature this month. It features 6 women who became U.S. citizens last year, and each describes why they chose to become American. This article had an intense effect on me because last week I went on a date with a guy who pronounced how not proud he is to be an American. I replied, “The why don’t you leave?” In case you were wondering, we’re not going on a second date. I can’t date someone who profusely explains that he is not proud to be an American and yet happily uses every government service at his disposal. 
About your date, Christa,…you sure know how to pick ’em.
(By the way, at this point in time you are supposed to laugh hysterically….just in case you were wondering…)
On a more serious note, however, I hope you have better luck next time…with your dates, restaurants and night-clubs.
Boy am I glad your new blog is working out. Hopefully, your new business venture will go great guns as well. Best wishes.
Go from strength to strength and never look back. Cheers!
P.S. It’s always great to read your posts. Keep on writing.
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Hi Archan,
It certainly did make me laugh. The funniest part is that the guy wants to go out again. Some people crack me up!
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