Woman leaves her country to start a better life
for her and her children.

 
Interviewer: Jennifer Valentin
Interviewee: Carmen Crespo
Relationship: Friend
Date: April 22, 2000
 

What is your full name?

Carmen Crespo

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rican

What is your date of birth?

July 19, 1980

Where were you born?

Puerto Rico

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

1994

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

My parents got divorced, and my mother wanted to start a new life.

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

I liked when my whole family was together. I disliked the heat, and there was too many animals.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Freedom, jobs, and a lot of unique people.

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

Airplane. I wouldn't . I just prayed that the airplane ride was safe, because now a days there is too many accidents.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

Spoke to some old friends. They helped us find a new home.

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

I traveled with my mother and my brother.

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

The trees and plants, there were so many of them. It was so refreshing

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

When I moved to Philly my life changed a lot. There was so much land in my old home compared to here. I couldn't speak any English at all, now almost all I speak is English.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected a lot of noisy people with different lifestyles.

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

I came here to accomplish many things like having a new lifestyle. I wanted a better education. I expected to get a good job to help my mom with bills for our house.

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

Before I was confused, now this feels more like home.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I left behind my boyfriend, my dog, and the rest of my family.

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

I got into a lot of misunderstandings because people didn't understand me.

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

We had a little money because my mom was saving money for when we move.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I asked around the neighborhood how things went. It was kind of hard because only a few people spoke Spanish, so I didn't have too many friends.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Yes, because at the end everything turn out for the better.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I had a pretty good education. I learned a lot in Puerto Rico, but I learned a lot more in Philly.

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

No, because everyone needs a change, and I learned English and got a better education.

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

My family and friends, because I miss them very much!!!!

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

My mom supports me right now. I take care of my brother while she works.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No, not really.