It was very interesting hearing about all the struggles that my
grandmother had to go through just to be where she is now.
She talks about how she survived
on her own without her family.

Interviewee: Teresa Irizarry
Interviewer: Jomyra Crespo
Relationship: Grandmother
Date: December 10, 2002


What is your full name?

Teresa Irizarry

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

June 17,1943

Where were you born?

Ciales, Puerto Rico.

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

At the age of 16.

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

To find better opportunities and to start a new life.

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

I liked the weather and the friendly people but what I did not like was there were no good jobs.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Friends brought me here.

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

My transportation was by plane and I would not change it.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I lived with my friends and their families then later on in life I found a place on my own.

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

Friends of the family.

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

The most that I remember were the beaches, They are not like the ones in Philly, they are very clean and the view is beautiful. Also the fruits that we would grow, it’s not the same as growing them here.

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

My life changed very much because I was on my own and had to work for the things that I wanted and needed. The differences were that it was easier to find a job here than in Puerto Rico.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected it to be just like it was when I got here.

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

I came to accomplish finding a job that I loved, finding the man of my dreams and last, but not least, starting a family of my own.

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

When I came to Philly the area was much more cleaner and less killing went on and everyone got along with everyone.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left my family.

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

I thought that everything was going to be easy but it was not you had to work for every and anything, and I was discriminated against because of who I was.

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

I did not have much but as soon as I got to Philly I started baby sitting so that I can make money.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

It was kind of hard because it’s very hot in Puerto Rico and when you come here to have to get use to the changing of the weather but the people were friendly and welcomed me.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I don’t regret anything that has went on in my life and I wouldn't change it for the world.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

The last day I completed was 9th grade.

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

Yes, sometimes I sit and think of what would have happened if I would have never moved but I happy with the life I have.

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

If my family was very ill and needed me there.

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

My first job was baby sitting and I got paid $15 a week.

12/9/1999