Interviewee: Sonia Bonilla
Interviewer: Javier Estrada
Date: March, 2002

A Spanish woman who wanted a better life for her family

What is your full name?

Sonia Bonilla

What is your nationality?

I an Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

April 23, 1968

Where were you born?

New York

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

I move to Philadelphia in December of 1993.

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

I was looking for a better place for my kids.

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

There were not a lot of opportunities at getting a job.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Because I had friends here.

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

I travel by airplane.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

My friend helped me.

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

With my husband and kids.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your hometown and why?

My family, because I miss them.

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

It didn’t change much.  I did everything I had to do to take care of my family.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected it to be cleaner.

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

To give my family a better life and to also to see them in college.

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

My kids could've wear any type of clothes and now they can’t.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My mom, my job, and the rest of my family.

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

My language.

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

I can’t remember but it was from my old job.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

By being myself and working hard.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because the better and greater things I can give my kids and myself.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Before I was a pharmacy tech and I am still remaining the same.

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

Sometimes.  I miss my family.

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

My family.

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

Being a teacher assistant.

Is there anything you would like to add?

It was a pleasure answering this questions.