A Life Of Hope For The Future

Interviewee: Nivea M. Santiago
Interviewer: Benjamin R. Vega
Relationship: Mother
Date: May 16, 2000
  

What is your full name?

Nivea Santiago

What is your nationality?

Puerto Rico

What is your date of birth?

November 21, 1963

Where were you born?

Albonito, Puerto Rico

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

I moved to Philadelphia 8 years ago (1992) from New York.

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

To make a better life for myself and my children .

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

I was a single parent with two children and was unable to grow under my mother's roof. I had to spread my wings for myself and my children to do on their own.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I had a lot of family members here so I figured if I ever needed help I could rely on them.

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

I traveled by car and I wouldn't have it any other way.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I purchased a home on my own and found a job.

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

I traveled with my two kids.

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

I miss my entire life and my home town but it was too expensive of a life to live.

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

My life changed, completely I learned to take responsibility for myself and my children and I like that.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I didn't expect anything.

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

I came here to be dependent on my own and until this day I could say I've accomplished that.

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

The difference is completely different in New York. I've worked in the same profession only independent from my mom . The responsibility was greater in Philly because I didn't have to worry about my kids. I learned to be a mom.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

I sacrificed my mom when I left New York, I left her behind.

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

Adjusting to this new life style and keeping my kids from this new life style.

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

I had about $2,000 and I've worked for it.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I still haven't adapted to this new life style, I am very antisocial.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I learned to become self dependent, I learned to be a mom. It was all worth it.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I was a college drop out and was certified for occupational health and went to the University of Pennsylvania to be certified. I was also certified for hearing conservation, vision stereo, spynometry screening, and lab tech. It was little experience to get started.

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

I never regretted moving because I grew up in Philly mentally and physically, and learned to be responsible.

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

My mom.

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

Doctors office, medical assistant, and managed care.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I managed to teach my kids how to be responsible for themselves and responsible and respectful to others. I want them to see that in her life the way that she wanted them to see that through her life so I believe I've accomplished that. I hope they will continue their education and do well and l will support them any way I can.