Interviewee: Vidalina Narvaez
Interviewer: Nael Cruz
Relationship: Aunt
Date: April 21, 2001
 

Today she finds drugs dealers are like bugs.

What is your full name?

Vidalina Narvaez

What is your nationality?

Hispanic

What is your date of birth?

April 18, 1964

Where were you born?

Arecibo, Puerto Rico

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

May 10, 1984

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

Because of family reasons, I had to help my sister take care of her newborn child.

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

I enjoy my island, it's beautiful, everyone is united, what I didn't like is that there is not enough jobs and everything is far.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Because my sister lived here in Philadelphia.

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

I came here on plane because their tickets cost less.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

Because my sister helped me.

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

I traveled with my mom and my son who only had seven months.

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

My town, I remember most is how much fun I had with my family and friends when I was little.

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

I had to learn how to speak a language that I didn't even understand. The difference is that, in Puerto Rico one lives in peace and our children can be raised without any danger and no drugs or violence. In Philadelphia, I can't even sleep in peace without thinking that someone will break into our home and steal or can kill one of us. I don't even let my kids go outside because drug dealers are like bugs-they want us to look and buy.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I thought Philly was going to be a good place and that I was going to feel like I was in my island of Puerto Rico “free.”

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

I came to help my sister and I think that both of us helped each other at the same time. I wish to be more united to my family and to have better education and a better job.

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

The difference between when I came is that I could walk on the sidewalk with no problem, but now I can't even look outside the window without thinking they'll shoot or rob someone.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My family, my home, and my belongings.

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

The language, the way of doing things, and finding a job.

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

I only had my passport and two hundred dollars because my father gave it to me.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Sadly, I really wanted to leave immediately to my island of Puerto Rico, but I learned English.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I think that it was worth a little bit because I could finish my senior year and I have graduated.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I was only in 7th grade, now I have graduated

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

Yes, I want to move because the violence and the drugs here're past the limit.

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

The surroundings and to have my own house.

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

From welfare and my job with the kids in the school.

Is there anything you would like to add?

For the love of God can we try to make the place better where we live for the benefit of our children, that there's no trash, drugs and fights.