Interviewee: Nydia Lugo
Interviewer: Nyra Aguilera Lugo
Relationship: Mother
Date: March 9, 2000

Twin sisters can not be separated

What is your full name?

My full name is Nydia Lugo.

What is your nationality?

My nationality is Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

My date of birth is January 19, 1964.

Where were you born?

I was born in Moca, Puerto Rico.

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

I moved to Philadelphia on July 20th, 1980.

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

I left Puerto Rico because my twin sister lived in Philadelphia and I wanted to move in with her.

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

I like everything in my country.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I chose Philadelphia because I had family living here.

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

I traveled around on bus but then I started driving a car.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I lived in a house with my twin sister.

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

I traveled with my mother.

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

I remember my childhood because I used to play with friends at the park everyday.

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

My life completely changed because Philadelphia was very different from where I came from. The differences between Philadelphia and Puerto Rico are the culture, the food, and mostly everything else.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected a better life, a better job, and a better education which I didn't even have a chance to get.

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

I came to Philadelphia to accomplish, to learn better English which I still need to do.

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

When I first arrived to Philadelphia it was beautiful, safe, and clean. Now there is too much trash, crime, and drugs.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left my family behind.

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

Problems I encountered were a new language, a new culture and new food.

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

My mother gave me around $100 to start off.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted to my new environment by learning the language, going to school a little while, working, and then I got married.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

It was worth all my changes because God gave me a beautiful daughter and thanks to her I'm struggling for her and living for her. Also, because I have my job, my house, and all the good things God has given me.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Before I arrived to Philadelphia I was in the 11th grade in high school. When I arrived to Philadelphia I studied to get my G.E.D. but I had to get a job so I could not finish my education.

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

I did not regret moving because I got to start a new life, get a job and at least I got to finish my last year in high school.

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

My family and my friends that I left behind is a reason that would make me move back to Puerto Rico.

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

My first job here was at a box factory. I had to make boxes for fragrances and then pack them into the boxes.