A Run for Paradise

Date: March, 2000
Interviewer: E. Sanabriae
Interviewee: Xiomata Martinez
 
 

What is your full name?

Xiomata Martinez

What is your nationality?

Puerto-Rican

What is your date of birth?

August 6,1976

Where were you born?

New York City, New York

When did you move to Philadelphia?

I remember it like it was yesterday, November 14, 1990, it wasn't to cold or hot it was just right.

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

My parents were having problems, all their problems were put on me as if I were the one causing the problems. At one point, I was nearly killed. I couldn't take it anymore. When it got to the point where my parents stop caring and starting going insane I decided that that was my key to leave. So I ran and ran and ran. I stayed in the city for a few days to earn money from close friends. Then I left.

What did you like/dislike about your home?

I disliked my home but I loved the city. But I had no choice but to leave or I would not be here today.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/?

While I was running I realized that Philadelphia reminded of my home, so I decided to stay. I couldn't turn away from a look-alike city that I loved.

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

I got here by foot, bus, hitchhiking, and train. Mainly because the time I spent running, I had enough time to think about what I wanted to do and how to live my life.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I had left over money and money from working.

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

God.

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

It was a big, busy, and crowded, because I always loved to be with people, in a crowd.

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

My life changed because I received love for the first time and I had wonderful opportunities I thought I would never have.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

To find a place just like home.

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

To find love and live a good life. I feel as though I abandoned my family, but I won't turn back.

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

It's cleaner now than it was then and it is quieter and more peaceful.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My family, mainly my friends.

What problems did you encounter coming to the Philly?

Being able to open up to people, being able to converse, make friends, and talk.

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

About 500 dollars, working.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I thought of it as my home excluding the terror and abuse. I made it seem like my own perfect world.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because I had the opportunity to feel and experience love and care.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I left with education from junior high, now my education has been expanded to graduate school.

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

No, because I'm finally free, nothing holds me back to the past.

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

My parents funeral in honor of respect. I can't dare face them after all these years.

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

My first job was a cashier at a corner store.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to thank God for everything. And I would like to say that I loved my parents No matter what they did to me, I'll always love them.

3/31/00