Woman leaves her important career to follow her husband to United States

Interviewer: Joselina Perez
Interviewee: Basilica Perez
Relationship: Aunt
Date: June 6, 2000

What is your full name?

Basilica A. Perez Genao

What is your nationality?

I'm Dominican.

What is your date of birth?

January 8, 1968.

Where were you born?

Dominican Republic

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

I moved to the U.S. in 1992 and then on September 11, 1997 I moved to Philadelphia.

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

I left my country because my husband had already moved to U.S. ( Brooklyn, N.Y.), then I moved from Brooklyn to Philly, because I wanted to try a small business with my husband.

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

I like the way people act at my country. They're very friendly and any place you go they make you feel like at home.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I chose Philadelphia because a friend made me an offer about a small business.

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

The first time I traveled by bus (Geraldo's Transportation), then by train (New Jersey Transit). I tried (AMTRAK) and the last one I tried was the Greyhound or Peter Pan.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I found it easy because I live on top of the business that I own.

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

I traveled with my husband and my two kids.

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

My parents. I had been with them all the time.

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

My life changed enormously. I used to work as executive secretary for the Regional Director of Agriculture. The difference was 100% different when I came here.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected to have university diploma.

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

A nice house, in a nice neighborhood with nice people.

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

The differences were a lot. I didn't spoke English when I came. I was frustrated because of the lack of communication. Now I feel that I'm on the right track, in other words I'm confident.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I sacrificed my career, being every weekend with my parents and my good friends.

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

English barriers, running over time, and being in a hurry all the time.

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

I had $200 dollars with me, which I borrowed it and paid it back.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Easy, because I already had my husband, three sisters and a brother in here.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I have learned a lot from this country. I'd seen things like never before and I'm more educated.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Executive Secretary, graduated from Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago (UTESA) in 1989. After that I was a sophomore at Medgar Evers College in New York (CUNY) in 1996. I was a biology major.

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

No. I think the U.S. is a big country with a lot of opportunities. It's a place for everybody including people from around the world. It's like the world in just one nation.

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

I would go back if one of my parents gets very sick.

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

Taking care of elderly and handicap people. Help them to go to appointments, cooking, shopping and cleaning for them.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes. First I thank you for the opportunity for being part of this project. Secondly, I would like to exhort you to continue toward a brilliant future which is out there. Be strong and more educated. Never stop dreaming but make that dream come true, you are at the right place.