From a little town to a big state.

Interviewer: Nelly Gomez
Interviewee: Noris Colon.
Date: January, 1999 

What is your full name?

My full name is Noris Colon.

What is your nationality?

I am Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

October 4, 1955.

Where were you born?

In a little town called Trujio Alto, Puerto Rico.

When did you move to Philadelphia?

I was told I was about 11 months old when my parents moved to Philadelphia.

When did you move to Philadelphia?

In 1955.

Why did you leave your country, place or residence?

Well, my father came to Philadelphia, he got a job and he sent for my mother to live in Philadelphia, to start a new life.

Why did you choose Philadelphia?

Well, I really don't know my father never told me.

How did you travel here?

Well, I remember my mother said that we came in a little airplane with my two older sisters and myself.

Did you know anyone in Philadelphia if so who?

I think my parents may have had relatives here in Philadelphia.

With whom did you travel?

With my two sisters that were older than me.

How did your life change and if so what were the differences between the two places?

Well, the difference was the weather: it was warm in Puerto Rico and it was cold here in Philadelphia. I know I remember my mother saying when I was about 24 months old that the weather was so cold that I got sick and I had an pneumonia and I was hospitalized but I pulled through.

What were the expectations about your destination?

Well, my father wanted to bring the rest of his children up here in Philadelphia, he wanted all of us to go to school to get an education, and learn the English language, of course.

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

Well, I think back then, when you came, when people arrived, there was not as much facilities for the Hispanics and the Hispanics had to struggle a little more. Now-a-days there's more facilities, social services, and is like a little town and it's a lot different from back then.

What did you sacrifice leave behind when you left?

Maybe my heritage, I don't know.

What kind of problems did you undergo during your travel if any?

I don't remember having any problems while traveling.

How did you get money to move?

Well, my father had come to Philadelphia and he worked so I guess he struggled and sent money to my mother so that we can move to Philadelphia.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I really can't say 'cause I was too young to remember but I guess I did, 'cause I made out okay.

What education did you have before or after you arrived?

Well, before of course I didn't have no education but by the time I was five years old I went to kindergarten. I went to high school, junior high and I did graduated in 1969, thanks to my parents.

Do you regret moving why or why not?

In a way I do regret my parents moving to Philly but once they moved to Philadelphia I never went back to Puerto Rico up until, like, 2 years ago and when I met, when I saw Puerto Rico I really liked it. I wish I had had a childhood there, I wish I had grown up in Puerto Rico instead of here, I don't know, I would've liked to have known my land first, I really have a lot of regret that my parent brought me here, I would've rather been brought up in Puerto Rico and maybe come to Philadelphia as an adult. I really feel like I missed out a lot on my heritage.

Thank you

You're welcome.