A big change in my life, ever since I moved to the
U.S.A.
Interviewer: Carmelo Perez
Interviewee: Maria Soza
Date: May, 2000
What is your full name?
Maria Soza
What is your nationality?
Nicaraquense
What is your date of birth?
October 10, 1969
Where were you born?
Matagalpa, Nicaragua
When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?
On the winter of 1986.
Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?
In the USA I had family and more opportunities
What did you like/dislike about your home/country?
The climate and the economics.
Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?
My sister was already living in Philadelphia.
How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?
Through car, I wouldn't change it.
How did you find a place to live in Philly?
My sister helped me get a house.
With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]
My sister's friend.
Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?
How clean the rivers are.
How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?
I live more comfortable, the wealth.
What did you expect about the US/Philly?
Better opportunities for jobs.
What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?
My goals as a professional secretary.
What are the differences between when you came here and now?
My way of living is better.
What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?
My family and friends.
What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?
None
How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?
About a hundred dollars.
How did you adapt to your new environment?
By working.
Why do you think it was worth all your changes?
For my family.
What education did you have before/after you arrived?
I had a okay education, but when I arrived to Philly I bettered it.
Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?
No because my kids have a better place to live and grow up.
What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?
To not to accomplish my goals.
Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, who did you get money?
My first job was a cashier for my sister.
Is there anything you would like to add?
No12/9/1999
