Left Hometown Without Knowing What Was
Ahead Of Her And Found A Successful Life.

 
 Interviewee: Maria Cruz
Interviewer: Jaritza Vazquez
Relationship: Mother
Date: March 10, 2000
 
 
 What is your full name?

Maria Cruz

What is your nationality?

Hispanic

What is your date of birth?

February 24, 1963

Where were you born?

Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

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

August 8, 1987

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

I was looking for a better way of living.

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

I liked everything about my hometown, there is nothing bad to say or dislike about Puerto Rico in my point of view.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I didn't choose it, I came for vacation.

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

I travel on airplane, I wouldn't change it at all.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I came to live with my Parents-in-Law.

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

I traveled with my four Daughters and my husband.

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

I remember the carnivals in Puerto Rico, they have them every August for ten days.

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

My life changed because I came here and I graduated from medical school. The difference between Puerto Rico and Philadelphia is that in Philly you have more opportunities to study and accomplish what you wish. In Puerto Rico is harder and there isn't a lot of opportunities for jobs.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected it to be much more cleaner and less violence than what I see.

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

The difference is that when I came here I didn't know the language or how to get the profession. Now I know the language and have the skills to get the profession.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I sacrificed leaving my mother behind.

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

I had to encounter the problem of me not knowing the language.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I didn't adapt to it I'm still trying to get used to the environment in Philadelphia.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

It was worth all my changes because I accomplished all my Goals.

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

Yes, I regret moving to Philadelphia because I don't think that its a place to raise your kids in.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to add that if you have a dream follow it, don't let yourself down and always go for what you want no matter how you sacrifice to achieve it.