POOR MIGRANT SEEKS A WEALTHIER
LIFE AND FINDS IT

Interviewee: Ada Rivera
Interviewer: Jose Clark
Relationship: Mother
Date: May 11, 2000
  

What is your full name?

My name is Ada Rivera.

What is your nationality?

I am 100% Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

My date of birth is February 20, 1959.

Where were you born?

I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

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

I moved from Puerto Rico when I was 9 years old. We moved to Bronx, New York for a couple of months, then moved to Philadelphia when I was 10.

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

I did not choose to leave Puerto Rico, my mother chose for me so I had to go with her. My mother was only looking out for the best to give to her 6 children.

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

As a child growing up I remember there was more freedom, and everyday was a summer day. What I disliked of Puerto Rico was that it was very hard to live, there was no money, no good paying jobs, there was not enough funding for a proper education.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I did not choose Philadelphia, I did not choose anything, my mother's husband (my stepfather) had family in Philadelphia. We moved to their house for a while, then my mother bought her own home.

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

First we flew from Puerto Rico to New York, then from N.Y. we drove to Philadelphia.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

After staying with my stepfather's family my mother found her own house at 5th & Allegheny Avenue.

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

I traveled with my mother and stepfather.

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

The one thing I remember the most is the sun. I would always stay out on the porch soaking in the sun.

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

I had to adapt to a whole new world, it was a new opportunity for me. I was not used to the American civilization.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

At the time I was too young to understand, but my mother told all of the time that “it is all for the best.”

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

We had came here for a better living and education. I am still getting a better education.

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

Just like in Puerto Rico, when I first came here everyone could sleep with their doors open. Everyone now needs to have alarm systems, bars, etc.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I sacrificed and left behind my heritage, for that sacrifice now I can understand better what my heritage really is.

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

The only problem I could think of is understanding the politics and ways of the whole U.S. system.

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

I did not have any money growing up, neither did my mother. My mother had to work for 6 children, and when she had got laid-off she went on public assistance as we grew up.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

To adapt it was very hard, because I was not used to any of the American ways of life.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I do not think it was worth the change because of the education. The education in Puerto Rico is very strict.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

In Puerto Rico I was learning both languages, but when I came to the United States I forgot my proper Spanish.

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

I do not regret moving to the U.S., because there is a lot of things I have learned here. Also there is a lot of opportunity here.

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

The school system would make me go back to Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico they are very strict and concerned.

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

I first started working at a small newspaper typing the ads, things did not work out. I started working in various factories but things did not work out again. I went on public assistance for a while, but now I am a successful receptionist.

Is there anything you would like to add?

People in Puerto Rico, they have a very big misunderstanding. The people think by coming to the United States they are going to have it all served on a silver platter. The people think that they are going to find an easy job. What the people do not know is that there is only 1 thing that will make their lives easier, the one thing you can get for free is an education, and with out it you are not anything.
 

5/11/2000