Interviewee: Luis Antonetty Ortiz
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A man struggles for opportunity but never forgets his island
Why did you leave your country?
Well... I wanted to get a job, a permanent job and I couldn't find any work in Puerto Rico at the time and I wanted to have a new life, I wanted to go somewhere else.Why did you choose Philadelphia?
I liked it because I was in New York and in New York life is tough, it's too quick and Philadelphia is nice and quiet. I like it better than New York.How did you travel here?
I took an airplane.Did you know anyone else in Philadelphia? If so, who?
Yes, I knew a lot of people.Who?
My brothers, my aunt, uncle and a lot of close friends that we grew up with.Did they help you find a place?
Really, I was living in New York and the reasons I came was because Philadelphia is better, you can find better jobs, you get paid more and Puerto Rico is hard but I love my Island.What were your expectations of your destination?
Well, it's nice I can't complain about Philadelphia. When I was In Puerto Rico I didn't have nothing; I made my own life in Philadelphia, so I guess I owe a lot to moving here, to Philadelphia, but I won't change my country that's my Island.Did you have any expectations besides anything that was given to you?
Yes, I expected a lot. Yeah, I didn't know how to go anywhere and I wanted to know how to get around but I liked it, I did and now I go to P. R. just to visit and I come back. I can't stay over there like I use to, but one day I'll go back for good.How did you get the money to travel here?
I was working and I got myself a room. I was living by myself. I was around 19 or 20 years old when that happened. And then later on, I meet a girl and moved in with her.Were you frightened about moving to Philadelphia?
No, not really. The first day, or should I say, the first few days, maybe. But once I learned where everything was, no. It was cool, I liked it.How did you adapt to your new environment between Philadelphia and Puerto Rico: I know its hot all year around in P. R. and both hot and cold in Philadelphia?
Yeah, I was impressed. I had never seen snow before and the first time I saw it I was shocked, I've only heard about it I never had actually seen it. The tropical weather in P. R. is better. I like the weather change, but I could never change my Island for this.What did you sacrifice or leave behind in P. R.?
I had to leave my mother in Puerto Rico while I moved to Philadelphia and when my father had passed away a year later I was in Philadelphia. My mother comes from time to time but I miss my Island, I miss my home.What kind of problems did you go through, if any?
I can't say I had any problems, everything was nice and perfect, and I liked it.
