Interviewer: Alexander Santiago
Interviewee: David Santiago
My father: A man that found a better life when he moved to Philadelphia.
How
did you travel to Philadelphia?
There was only one way to travel from Puerto Rico to the United States and that was by plane.Who did you travel with?
I traveled with my mother, one of my youngest brothers and three sisters.Did you leave any other family behind?
Yes, I did.Who?
I left behind my three uncles, three aunts and some cousins.What problems did you undergo during your travels?
No problem whatsoever.How did you feel while you were traveling to Philadelphia?
First of all, it was the first time me traveling and since we traveled by plane it was a little strange being on a plane for the first time.What did you sacrifice when you came to Philadelphia?
Well actually, I didn't sacrifice anything with the exception of the family I left behind.What were your expectations about Philadelphia?
I was expecting to see a bigger city like it is and also snow, which is something we didn't get in Puerto Rico. I was able to play in with the snow and meet different people from different nationalities.How did your life change when you moved?
My life changed a great bit. First, I had to learn a new language, my second language, which is English, and I had to adapt to the changes, and the different people and the weather which was summer and winter.What were the differences between Philadelphia and Puerto Rico?
The differences between the two places, Philadelphia is like I stated a bigger city with more population and a lot of people from different nationalities. The climate is different in Puerto Rico. It's seventy to eighty degrees all year around. Down here in Philadelphia we got summer and winter. Summer is hot and winter is cold. We also got snow in Philadelphia.Did you know anyone in Philadelphia?
Just my two brothers that were already living here.What education did you have before you got here?
Well, I didn't have too much education before I arrived because I was still young back then.What education did you receive after you got here?
I started school, I needed to learn a new language which I was able to accomplish and I was able to go to high school, which was South Philadelphia High School in which I graduated from twelve grade.How did you adapt to your new environment?
It did take me a little while to get used to the weather. Also, the new people, school and the environment.What are the differences between when you came here and now?
When I first came here, as I stated before, I was seven years old, in the course of the years, I was able to go to school, see the new generation, which I was in and after that, I saw a lot of my friends growing up. Some of them turned out to be good, some of them turned out to be bad. Right now there is more violence and more crime than before.Do you ever regret moving to Philadelphia?
No, I do not regret moving here.Why not?
Because when I came here, I was able to accomplish so many things in life. First, my education, I was able to get a job, and help my family. I got married, which I had three sons, very respectable and intelligent. Right now, the two oldest ones are married already, the oldest one gave me two beautiful grandsons. The second one, I'm expecting to give me some too. The only one I have with me right now is Alexander, which I devote all my life to him. Helping him in everything that I can so that he can accomplish his goal. Thank you very much.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Right now, thank God and God bless America.
