Interviewer: Miguel Sanchez
Interviewee: Cira Magally Moran
Relationship: Mother
Date: April 24, 2002

Learning about my mom's arrival to the United States, and how she is comfortable with what she has.

What is your full name?

My name is Cira Magally Moran.

What is your nationality?

Hispanic.

What is your date of birth?

June 18, ‘63.

Where were you born?

I was born in Ecuador.

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

1986.

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

Because I want a better future.

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

I did not like the financial situation in my country.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Because it was the land of opportunity.

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

In airplane.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I met a family an' I moved with them.

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

I came alone.

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

My family.

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

Because I need to learn a new language an' and because I need to have my family.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expect that it was a nice place to live.

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

I come to accomplish my goals.

What was the goal?

Study law.

Did you finish?

No, buy a house.

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

When I come here I did not know English and now I know a lit of bit.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My family.

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

The language.

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

I did not have enough money.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Littler by littler.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I think is worth it, because I have my own family.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I have my high school diploma.

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

No, because I still thinking it a good future for my family.

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

For my mother and my sisters.

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

My first job is and I'm working in a restaurant, and washing and dishwasher.