Interviewee: Rafael Angel Soto, Sr.
Interviewer: Rafael Angel Soto, Jr.
Relationship: Father
Date: December 17, 2003

When the Sun Came Out it Showed How
Beautiful Puerto Rico Really Was.

 

What is your full name?

Rafael Angel Soto.

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

February 8,1948

Where were you born?

Juncos, Puerto Rico

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

January 17 1963

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

So that my family could have a better life. Also my mother needed more opportunities, job wise.

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

I didn't like the rain because it kept you inside a lot. Plus sometimes it would rain in Puerto Rico for, like, a month at a time. I liked when the Sun came out because it showed how beautiful Puerto Rico really was.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

We chose Philadelphia because we already had a lot of family living in that area.

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

I traveled here by plane. I took a cab to the airport. The only thing I would change was how I got to the airport. I really wish my family had driven me to the airport instead of a cab.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

My Aunt helped my mother and family find a place to live.

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

I traveled with my mother.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your hometown and why?

What I remember the most is the exotic fruits the most because they were my favorite.

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

Having to get used to living in a city instead of a small town. What varied between the two places were the weather conditions.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected many opportunities from the U.S., but I expected severe snowing during the winter from Philly.

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

I came here to accomplish getting a education and a good job so that I could buy a house and start a family. Also I feel I accomplished everything I set out to do.

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

When I first came here I didn't have much, but now I have a wonderful family and a home I can call my own.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

What I sacrificed when leaving my home country was leaving some friends and family behind.

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

I really didn't face any problems during that time.

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

We only had $40 when we came here. We got the money from a job my mother had in Puerto Rico.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I adapted very well to my new environment, if I say so myself.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

It was worth it because in the end everything worked to my advantage.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I had a little education when I got here, but after I caught up even more when I got here.

Do you {ever} regret moving? Why or why not?

No, 'cause I like it over here.

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

There is no reason that would make me go back because all my family that lived over there has passed on.

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

Working as a bag boy at a local grocery store.