Interviewee: Myrna Romero
Interviewer: Ismael Romero
Relationship: Mother
Date: January 4, 2001 (her birthday)
 

A caring mother in search for a better future for her children

What is your full name?

Myrna Iveliz Colon Galio Romero

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

January 4, 1966.

Where were you born?

Guyama Puerto Rico.

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

In 86 I moved to New York, and that same year moved to Philly after a couple months.

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

A better future for my kids.

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

Economy.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

My husband was almost raised here.

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

I took my three kids, two book bags and three tickets.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

We rented a room from my husbands friends.

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

My three kids.

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

I remember my home town Plaza, it is were we all hung out.

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

I got my education, and I got my first job. I learned what it is to struggle.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

A better economy, a good education for my three kids.

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

To get my kids through college and I have two more to go.

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

It has calmed down no matter what people say but, I still want to leave this stupid place.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My mother , I almost did not see my father before he died. I also left my many brothers and sisters.

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

None that I know of.

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

I came with no money.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I am a very nice person and a people person, so I got jobs easy and made good friends.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Look like I am doing my job, because one of my kids are moving on.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

In P.R. I had no high school diploma, and when I got here I got my diploma and graduated not only from high school but also, data processing ("I do not know ") school , something like that.

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

No. One kid so far came out good.

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

All my kids choose the right direction to go to.

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

House keeping, I cleaned 18-22 room a day.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No, nothing.