He seeks to gain independence

Date of Interview: January 18, 2000
Interviewer: Troy Burris
Interviewee: Jose Ortega
 

What is your full name?

Jose Ortega.

What is your nationality?

Hispanic.

What is your date of birth?

June 12, 1975.

Where were you born?

San Juan, Puerto Rico.

When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?

In 1992.

Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

Because my parents wanted to.

What did you like/dislike about your home/country?

I like the nice weather.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I didn’t, my parents did.

How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?

By plane.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

We lived with my family that was here.

With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]

With my parents.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?

The clear swimming water.

How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?

I had to make new friends.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

More crazy sh**.

What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?

I didn’t come to accomplish sh** and I still don’t need to.

What are the differences between when you came here and now?

Now I have money, I live alone, and my age.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

A pretty girlfriend and friends.

What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?

None.

How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?

I had no money but my parents did and I don’t know how much.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Easily, because I was with people from here.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I got more freedom from my parents.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

My education was the same in both places.

Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?

No, because now I have more money and friends.

What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?

To visit my other family.

Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, who did you get money?

I worked in a restaurant

Is there anything you would like to add?

No.