Interviewee: Elisa Staton
Interviewer: H. Rivera
Date: January, 2002

Why my mother left New York

What is your full name?

Elisa Staton

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

June 11, 1965

Where were you born?

Bronx, New York.

When did you move to Philadelphia?

July of 1988

Why did you leave your state of place of residence?

I wanted to purchase a new home, and I knew that the houses were cheaper to purchase in Philly.

What did you like/dislike about your home?

I liked the opportunities, work opportunities in New York, but I didn't like the quick pace of it.

Why did you choose Philly?

The houses were cheaper to buy.

How did you travel here? How would you change that?

Uhaul truck. I wouldn't change it.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I drove to Philly several times and had a real estate agent take me to different houses until I found a house that I wanted to purchase.

With whom did you travel?

With my husband and children.

Give one thing you remember about your hometown and why?

The one thing I remember the most is Christmas at my grandmother's house, and why? Because, it was a happy time when all the family members got together.

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

My life changed because I became a homeowner, more responsibilities. Moreover, I guess we became more settled and stable as a family. What were the differences? The difference was that the people's way of thinking in Philly is a lot more laid back than New York.

What did you expect about Philly?

I didn't know what to expect. I didn't have any expectations.

What did you come here to do, and what do you feel like you still need to do?

I came to purchase a new home, like I said, and to just live as comfortably as I can.

What were the differences between when you moved here and now?

When I first got here I didn't know anything about Philly. I didn't know how to travel, my children were young, but now I have traveled all over Philly.  My children are older and I am more comfortable with my surroundings.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind?

My family, I sacrificed my family that I have been with all my life.

What problems did you encounter coming to Philly?

Problems I encountered is, like I said, the different kinds of mentality the people have here, in here in Philadelphia is so hard for me to get adjusted to.

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

I got my money through work, I worked in New York, and after I put the down payment I guess I had a couple hundred left.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted fairly quickly, I just stayed busy. I started looking for a job right away. I met new people and, being myself, I was able to adapt.

Why do you think it was worth all the changes?

It was worth all the changes because it was an experience that I'll never forget. I have a home, you know, I can give to my children.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I have an Associate degree in social work before I got here, and I am working on my Bachelor's degree now.

Do you (ever) regret moving? Why or why not?

I don't ever regret moving, it's, like I said, its an experience that I am better for now, but I would like some day to go back to New York.

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

My son, he's very artistic, and the art schools in New York are a lot better - a lot more cultured there. I feel he could use for his career development.

Describe your first job here; if you didn't have one who did you get the money from?

When we first arrived, my husband worked and I stayed home. But then I started working as a medical secretary.