Co-workers Cecilia Payoyo, 44, and Dulce Dangis, 34, share more than a job. On Friday, the pair of nurses became American citizens, taking the naturalization oath together.

Payoyo and Dangis were among 73 people from 31 different countries taking the oath Friday at the Schaumburg Township District Library.

Payoyo, of Bloomingdale, first came to the U.S. in 2000 from the Philippines. Her sister, also a nurse, was already living in the U.S., so Payoyo decided to move.

“There’s an abundance of opportunities for nursing here,” she said.

After living in the U.S. for a while, Payoyo decided she wanted to become a citizen. She then discovered Dangis, her fellow nurse at Lexington Health Care in Bloomingdale, would be sworn in during the same ceremony.

Taking the oath was bittersweet, Payoyo said. Although, she’s excited and proud to become an American citizen, she said it’s sad to think she’s leaving her home country behind.

“My friends say, you can love two (countries),” Payoyo said.

During her time here, Payoyo has traveled throughout much of the country, which she describes as one of the most beautiful she’s seen. One of her favorite spots is the Grand Canyon, where she vacationed in July.

Payoyo said she also loves the four seasons she experiences in the Chicago area – a stark contrast to Philippines’ year-round warm temperatures.

“In the spring and fall, I get delirious because it’s so beautiful,” she said.

Like Payoyo, Dangis, of Carol Stream, is from the Philippines. She moved to the U.S. in 2006 with her husband, Matt Dangis, who joined her Friday in becoming a citizen.

The couple’s 3-year-old daughter Eq looked on from the audience.

“I’m a citizen of the world,” Dangis joked with Payoyo.

Those sworn in Friday had to pass a test and complete an interview, among other tasks, to be accepted as a citizen. Many at the event brought their family and friends, who snapped photos of the newest Americans with the judge presiding over the ceremony.

Kayvan Moghadaszadeh, 35, of Hoffman Estates, came with his parents to the U.S. from Iran when he was just 3 years old.

He said Friday’s ceremony was more of a formality for him because he already feels like an American.

“It’s still a great thing,” he said.

kthayer@tribune.com