I would like to die in my country... on my soil

INTERVIEWER: Mineris Figueroa
INTERVIEWEE: Jenny Agosto
 

What is your full name?

Jenny Agosto.

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

October 7, 1958.

Where were you born?

Rochester, New York.

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

About ten years ago.

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

Looking for a better future.

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

There aren't as many opportunities in Puerto Rico as the U.S.A. (Dislike)

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

There were family member.

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

On an airplane. There isn't anything that I would change.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

Thanks to my Sister-in-law, Carmen Melendez. [Note; this was said sarcastically.]

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

With my three children.

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

My friends. I miss them dearly.

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

The climate and the people. They're both very different in both places.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

A better education for my children.

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

Ah.... I came to receive medical treatments that I needed. And... I still need to hit the JACKPOT in the Atlantic City Casinos.

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

It was more peaceful before.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My friends and family.

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

I had to teach my children how to dominate the English language and culture.

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

I don't remember how much money I had but I had to sell all my stuff to get the money.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I'm still trying to adapt.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Just because I believed it was a better future for my children and me.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Two years of college.

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

Sometimes, when I feel alone.

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

I would like to die in my country... on my soil.

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

I worked in a restaurant . Then, I was told I couldn't work because of my nerves.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No. (laughter)