Interviewee: Diana Miriam Chuman
Interviewer: Erika Perales
Relationship: Sister in law
Date: January 23, 2004

At first I regret moving but after I got use to Philly it wasn't half bad.

What is your full name?  

Diana Miriam Chuman.

What is your nationality?  

What is your date of birth?  

December 28, 1983.

Where were you born?  
When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?  
 Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

Mother choose to move for a better job.

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

I like the neighborhood, but hated the drugs.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U. S?

A better opportunity for my mother to get a better job.

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

I travel by car, the car that my mother drove I wouldn't change it.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

A friend told my mother about a house that she can rent.

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

My mother, three brothers and myself.

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

I remember the mall because that's we, I, used to hang out with my friends.

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

As I got older and mature, more the differences in Norristown, it was more quiet and relaxing. In Philly is more louder and disturbing.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected Philly to be more like Norristown 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 accomplish on getting my diploma and I have, also getting a very good paying job.

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

At first I didn't want to come to Philly because it was a new change. Now that I've been here for 5 years I've accepted everything.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I didn't sacrifice anything but I did leave my friends, my school, basically my teenage life I was used to.

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

I didn't encounter any problems when I came to Philly.

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

The only money I had was the money that my mother use to give me because I had to find a job.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted very quickly with the environment around me.  It was not a problem.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

It was worth the change because it feels good when you experience new changes in your life.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I was still in high school. I just had started the 9th grade.

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

At first I regret moving but after I got use to Philly it wasn't half bad.

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

I would go back for my son. It's better environment over in Norristown.

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

I was a secretary for my first job. I made $6.50 an hour.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to say, "Thank you" for picking me for your project.

1/4/2001