In search for a better life for herself

Interviewee: Roberta Matthews
Interviewer: Taina Martinez
Relationship: Family Friend
Date: March 23, 2001

What is your full name?

Roberta Matthews

What is your nationality?

African American

What is your date of birth?

March 17, 1943

Where were you born?

Fluoresce, California

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

I moved to Philadelphia in 1962.

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

To find a better place to live and a better life.

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

When I was growing up things was rough and hard at times. So we come to Philadelphia to better our lives.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I choose Philadelphia for better myself and for a better life.

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

I travel by bus.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I live with my brother until I found a place of my own.

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

With my husband.

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

Everything down there was so lovely and the gardens just walking by them.

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

When I first came here I was homesick. I did not like it, but than I learned to like it. I found a job and met new people.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

To better my life and just to retire. I been working a long time.

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

To better my life and find a job.

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

When I first came here things were not all that great but now things are much better.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

Leaving some of my family and loved ones behind.

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

Nothing.

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

I can't remember, it was in 1962 but I know it was very little.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Meeting people, going out and I got a job and met people.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I can say it, at this point.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I graduate 12th grade.

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

No, I love what I accomplish.

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

No, ‘cause things have change so much that I think it's better. The cost of living down there is better. I go back to visit my family every summer.

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

My first job here was doing house work. I work for this elderly couple at Elkin's Park.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No, now everything is just great. I have my family and my grand kids. Now I'm living a better life and very happy.

5/2001