Interviewee: Isabel Ramos
Interviewer: Nicholous Knight
Relationship: Friend
Date: November 27, 2003

She moved from her country to get a good job and have a better life.

What is your full name?

My name is Isabel Ramos.

What is your nationality?

My nationality is Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

My date of birth is June 18, 1962.

Where were you born?

I was born in Puerto Rico.

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

I moved to Philadelphia in 1978.

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

I left my country because I came with my father to learn more and have a better life.

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

I liked everything about my country, I liked it because I went to salsa competitions, I liked the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, and my family.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I came to Philadelphia because my father brought me and I had some family here.

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

I came here in a airplane. I wouldn't change it because I liked the way I came here.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

My father had a house here for me.

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

I traveled to Philadelphia with my brothers and sisters.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your hometown and why?

My family and friends because I was always with them at parties, dancing, and having a fun time.

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

The difference between them was the language. In Puerto Rico it's Spanish and in Philadelphia it was English and it was very difficult, especially in school.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I thought it was easy to work at and learn the language but I was wrong.

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

I came here to learn and make money. Now I want to find a better job and make more money.

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

I did not have my high school diploma and my education of nursing assistant, but now I have my diploma of certification as a nursing assistant.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left behind my family and friends.

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

I had problems with a teacher in school because I did not speak English.

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

I had no money because I came with my father.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I went to church and made friends, and they showed me around Philadelphia.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because I learned a new language.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Before I came here I had no education. I earned my education here.

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

No, because now I have a good life.

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

To be with my family and have a good time with them.

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

My first job was filing.

1/4/2001