Interviewee: Miguel Ruiz
Interviewer: Abdon Cruz
Relationship: Cousin
Date: May15, 2003

Build a Better Future

What is your full name?

Miguel Ruiz

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

I was born January 2,1980.

Where were you born?

I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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

About 95, 96, 1997. Around there.

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

I had a job opportunity over here so I just came over to Philadelphia.

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

I like the weather. The ladies over there are beautiful, you know. I didn't like it because their wasn't too many jobs out there for me. I wanted to get a skill or trade so I just came to the States.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I got family over here and it is the city of brotherly love.

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

I took the airplane - US air. I came over with my sister she wanted to try new opportunities over here too. If I wanted to change it, I would've taken a cruise because I'm afraid of being in the air like that.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I had an uncle over here and he set me up in his place for a little while.

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

I travel with my sister who is nineteen

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

Probably the food over there. It's really good. The water, the ocean and beautiful weather.

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

My life changed cause, you know, I wanted to better myself, so I came over here and I found a good career. And the differences- the buildings more city. Like over there I lived in the country. The weather is awkward, never see snow in Puerto Rico.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected to see a lot of attractions, tourists attractions, lots of high buildings and climate change.

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

Came over to accomplish, get my career on track and get a degree and go to college over here.

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

Of course speak better English I did get my Bachelor's degree. If I was still over there I don't think I would have the chance to get that.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My grandmother, my little nephew, my little niece, a couple of my pets that I have.

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

Of course I had to find a place to stay but I said before my uncle set me up over here when I first came over here. People would speak to me English. I had no idea what they were saying. I understand it know.

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

I had about $5,000. I got it from my grandparents. They are pretty wealthy. They own a couple of land properties and they own sugarcane.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted very well cause I was in a neighborhood with different minorities many people, different nationalities. I like the mixture. It makes it feel just like at home.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I just wanted to better myself, come over here and get my degree and be smart, I'm the first one out of my family to get a degree.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Before I came over here I was pretty smart. I was in a couple of highclasses. When I got here I proceeded college. I went to the University of Temple I majored in agriculture.

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

Nah, I actually don't regret moving, although I will like to go back maybe later on down the road maybe live on down there when I get older but for now I think this will. do I'm falling in love with Philadelphia.

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

Probably just the good weather and food over there and just having family. Having fun being relaxed, not having to stress over anything over there.

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

My first job when I came over here, I worked at a fancy four-star restaurant. I was a chef over there.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Focus on my career and just bring the rest of my family over here. I really enjoyed this interview.

1/4/2001