A FAMILY TORN APART

Interviewee: Carmen Diaz
Interviewer: Jasmine Diaz
Relationship: Grandmother
Date: December 19, 1999
 

What is your full name?

Carmen Diaz

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

August 3,1949

Where were you born?

Bega Vaja, Puerto Rico

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

1965

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

I left because it was too much work taking care of eight kids by myself because my parents were at work.

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

I hated the fact that is was so hard to get an education, but I did love the music that was everywhere you went.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/US?

I chose Philadelphia because I knew I would find a better way of life.

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

I traveled here in a plane. I wish there was another way because I'm afraid of planes. I keep thinking that it'll fall.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I stayed at my sister-in-law's house at the time.

With whom did you travel?

I came here with my boyfriend, who is now my husband, Juan Diaz.

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

I remember how everyone treated each other like family and there wasn't so much violence. I wish that's the way it is here.

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

When I first came here, I realized I had to take care of myself and make my own decisions. There was so much freedom I couldn't believe it and it was much easier to decide what you wanted for yourself and go after it.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected it to be as lively as it was, but I didn't expect to be snowing two weeks after I got here.

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

I came here to have a better life for myself and make myself happier. There was a baby clothes store that I had wanted to open with my brother, but it didn't work out. I still think about doing it on my own.

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

When I came here I was naive about how everything worked and now I understand it all, and I'm comfortable with the way everything turned out.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left my family behind and I didn't get to see my father until a week before he died.

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

Nothing, really. I had food, shelter, and people that cared for me.

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

I had fifteen dollars when I came to Philadelphia, it was money I had saved up.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I went along with it in stride.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I think it was worth it because I'm happier now, here.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I had been to school up to 4th grade.

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

No, because I have a wonderful family here.

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

Right now, I'm going back to visit family.

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

It was in a hat factory.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Even though she left her family she still loved them.