RON AND DON

Why former Sea Gal Rachel Kerr became an American citizen

Aug 4, 2017, 3:46 PM | Updated: Aug 5, 2017, 12:10 am

Kerr, american flag, country together...

(AP Photo/David Duprey, File)

(AP Photo/David Duprey, File)

After spending most of her life in the states, owning a business, and spending time as a Seahawks Seagal, Rachel Kerr finally became an American citizen this year.

“The kicker for me was this past election,” Kerr told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don.

“I have so many opinions and you get into these debates with family,” she said. “My mom’s current husband is a Conservative and he’s a Trump supporter. I am also very opinionated and generally fall in the opposite direction. I wanted to be able to have a voice that counted.”

RELATED: The Trump effect is causing a surge in law school entrance exams

While the controversial and contentious political atmosphere in America may have inspired her to finally pledge allegiance, she says it was a long time coming.

“In my heart I am an American, for sure,” she said. “My formative years, as a teenager, were here … my home is here. If I was raised in England, I would have been a totally different person … I don’t know if I would have flourished as much there as I have here in the states.”

Kerr was born in what was West Germany at the time. In 1979, she visited the United States with her mom. Her mom met a man on that trip, and America was home after that.

“I came across the pond kicking and screaming because I was eight … I had lot of resentment coming to America in the second grade,” Kerr said. “It was very difficult. Kids are mean and I talked very different. My mom insisted on dressing me for the first couple years of my elementary school here which included white, knee high socks and black patent leather Mary Janes. So I learned how to defend myself very quickly.”

She also learned to lose her English accent in about three weeks by watching sitcoms. Fast forward to today and Kerr had spent her life stateside — including 10 years as a Seagal. Today she owns a business in Lynnwood — Shimmer Skin Lash and Tan. But despite all her success, she still wanted a say in American politics, especially since Donald Trump became president.

“The first thing I got to do is register to vote,” Kerr siad. “The second thing I have to do is get an American passport, and the third thing I’m going to do is look into local politics.”

Ron and Don

...

KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk

Ron and Don’s last show on KIRO Radio

Last night was Ron and Don’s last show on KIRO Radio.

5 years ago

Kelly Herzberg in her natural habitat. (Photo by Rachel Belle)...

Rachel Belle

In Seattle, a personal shopper and stylist who only shops at thrift stores

If you think you can't afford a personal stylist, head to the thrift store with Sweet Kelly Anne Styling's Kelly Herzberg who will pull hundreds of pieces for you to try on.

5 years ago

Viaduct waterfront...

Ron Upshaw

What do we do with the waterfront after the viaduct is gone?

After the viaduct is taken down, we'll be left with a choice: What do we do with one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country?

5 years ago

(MyNorthwest)...

Ron Upshaw

Shower Thoughts: Ichiro can give Mariners fans something to root for

Rumor has it that Ichiro might make a comeback next year, and I for one welcome it.

5 years ago

Border wall...

Ron Upshaw

Trying to figure out why people want Trump’s border wall

A little over 40 percent of Americans now support the idea of a border wall, but what is it about it that seems so attractive?

5 years ago

Dan McCartney, Pierce County Sheriff...

Don O'Neill

Why you could hear kids’ voices on Pierce County Sheriff radios Monday night

Sometimes, "gone but not forgotten" isn't always how slain officers are remembered. But in Pierce County, a special effort is being made to commemorate a fallen deputy.

5 years ago

Why former Sea Gal Rachel Kerr became an American citizen