To live better and to prosper

Interviewee: Isabel Rimos
Interviewer: Manilito Santos
Translated by: Ebelis Rimos
Date: December, 2000
 

What is your full name?

Isabel Rimos

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

May 18, 1960

Where were you born?

Puerto Rico

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

In 1982

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

To live better and to prosper.

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

I love my house in P.R.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

It was easier for my children to get a better education in Philadelphia.

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

In a plane, I wouldn't change that because I like airplanes.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

A man sold it to me.

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

With my mother.

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

The beaches, rivers and parks.

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

In Philadelphia there's a lot of sadness but the only good thing about it is to prosper and to get a good education.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I didn't Know what to expect.

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

My goal is to raise my children to have great lives and so I can go back to P.R.

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

Then I didn't have any children but now I have 4 kids.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left my family and my old life back in P.R.

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

Too many.

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

Back then I lived off of welfare but I have a good job now.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted by going to work and learning through my kids and by going to church.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because it was important for me to have a good life.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

High school education.

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

No, because I see my children's progress in life.

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

My reason would be is that my children got married and had a stable life so that I can get back to mine.

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

I worked at a office doing paper work.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No Thanks!!