Part l: Interview

What country are you originally from?
-Chihuahua, Mexico

Why did you leave this country?
-Because I was looking for money.

When did you leave? How old were you at the time?
-I left around 91', 92', I was about fifteen years old.

What were the conditions in the country when you left?
-Bad

How did you prepare for your trip here?
-I wasn't prepared, since I didn't really plan to move to the United States.

Who came with you when you emigrated? Who did you leave behind? What did you leave behind?
- I came with my friends, left my family members and fifteen years of life.

How did you get here? Did you stay somewhere else before arriving here?
-I do not remember, I just know it was very tiring.

Why did you choose the United States? Why not some other country?
-Because this is a country with plenty of work, unlike Mexico and I figured why not take advantage of it?

Who decided you would come here? Did you want to leave?
-I decided I would come here, even if I didn't want to.

How did others in your home country treat you when they knew you were leaving?
-Everyone wanted to join me, while others cried.

What changes in your lifestyle did you make when you came here?
-Everything.

What was your first impression of the United States? Has this initial impression changed over time?
-A lot of white people and job opportunities. I just like this new experience. It hasn't really changed over the years.

What are some of the differences/similarities you've noticed in the cultures here and in your home country?
-There were many differences as soon as I got here. However, there are a lot of mexicans here so I guess it is the same now as my home country.

What were your hopes for yourself when you came here? Have you realized these hopes?
-I hoped to work in the United States and have a better life. Yes, I now have two beautiful children and a wonderful wife.

How were you treated when you first arrived to the US? How are you treated now?
-They treated well, especially after I got a job. To this day they have treated me with the same respect.

Were your expectations of America met? Was your idea of America the same as the reality?
-Not yet, since I feel I haven't met the American dream. Yes, what I thought America would be turned out to be a reality.


SUMMARY:

Life as a Mexican American for my interviewee was somewhat expected, meaning he didn't deal with much surprise. The transition from Mexico to the United States was overwhelming, but very rewarding in the long run. He was able to achieve his many hopes and desires he had when he first came to the United States. To him, America is not corrupt, but a nice place he can call home.