A man lives in the US but loves his country.

Interviewee: Jose Oscar Nava Camacho
Interviewer: Steve Velasquez
Date: April 28, 1999
 
 
What is your full name?

Jose Oscar Nava Camacho.

What is your nationality?

My nationality is Mexican.

What is your date of birth?

My birth date is May 27, 1962.

Where were you born?

I was born in Pueblas, Mexico.

When did you move to the U.S?

I moved to the United States on January 23, 1986.

Why did you leave your country?

I left my country because I was curious of what it is like to be in the U.S. and I was looking for a good job and a better life.

How did you travel here?

First I traveled on a bus for 52 hours and later I took an airplane to Philadelphia.

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

My life changed because I had to come to a country that spoke a whole different language and adapt to it ,then I had to change my customs and ways of living.

What were your expectations about your destination?

I really didn't really like Philadelphia because I saw it as old and dirty and it wasn't what I expected to be like - big buildings and lights.

What were the differences between when you got here and now?

Now I understand the language, I can express myself, I live better, I can't really say I like it now but it has certainly improved.

What did you sacrifice when you left Mexico?

I sacrificed important things like family and all of my friends.

What problems did you undergo during your travel?

Yes, on the airplane I didn't understand because everyone spoke English and I didn't know any English only Spanish.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I had to learn how to speak English and learn how to present myself to people.

What education did you have before you left/or after you were here?

I finished technical school and then I went to the University of Mexico but had to drop out because of financial difficulties.

Do you ever regret moving?

No, because here I have a wonderful wife and two great stepsons.

Is there anything you would like too add?

Yes. When I lived in Mexico I used to wake up at 4:30 am to feed the cows and pigs. Then I had to take a bath at 7:30 to get ready for school and then after school I worked at the farm lands until 9:30 pm. I did this everyday.