My grandmother came here when she was sick
and I came to live with her

Interviewee: Maria D’Carmen Colon
Interviewer: M Concepcion
Date: January, 2002
 

What is your full name?

Maria D’Carmen Colon.

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

November 22,1965

Where were you born?

Guayama, Puerto Rico

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

November 17, 1974

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

My Grandma came over here because she was sick and I lived with her

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

I liked the chicken and I didn't like the lizards.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I used to live in New York, but I came to Philadelphia because it was better for school.

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

In a plane to a New York, and then a car to Philadelphia.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I moved in with my aunt.

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

My aunt, my cousin and my uncle.

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

The beautiful house and palm trees.

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

I met my ex-husband in school and I had two beautiful daughters. Puerto Rico is always hot and more peaceful.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected it to be like the country.

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

To finish school and get a man.

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

It was nice and now is more ghetto.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My grand pop and my best friends.

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

I had to learn how to speak English.

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

My grand mom paid my plane ticket 'cause I was only 13.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Meeting new people, friends in school.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because I had more opportunities and I learned English.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Up to 5th grade in Puerto Rico and then in New York 6-9 Grade and then in Philly 9-12.

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

No, because I have a better life, and I got my house, my job and my two daughters.

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

No, because I have no more family over there. They all came to the U.S.

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

Kid's clothing store call Children's Paradise - in New York.