Biographic Information: English, Female, 22yrs
Themes: Biographical information (participant’s age, where participant is from), Participant’s life (childhood memories and experiences), Participant’s friends, Participant’s family (relationships and traditions), Participant’s likes and interests, Participant’s involvement in the community, Participant’s occupation, Languages spoken by participant (experiences and attitudes), Life in the border region of the Southwest
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Transcript:
[00:00]
00:05
Interviewer: Hi! Can you tell me your name, age and where you’re from?
00:09
Participant: Hello! My name is Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, and I am from El Paso, Texas and I am twenty two years old.
00:17
I: Okay, um can you tell me about your friends?
00:22
P: My friends. I have two best friends. One of thems name is Miranda- Can I use names?
Okay, and she I met her at work-well I met both of my best friends at work? Um, during the summer and they’re really cool. At first you know, I was a little shy, but Miranda broke me out of my shell and my other friend would give me rides home because I had to take the bus home after work. And it was just easier to carpool. But yeah, now it’s been, two years? That we’ve been best friends.
01:07
I: What is your favorite memory and why?
01:10
P: Uhh, my favorite memory would have to be (3.2) when I went to Santa Fe and Albuquerque for the weekend with my mom and my brother. And we went to Meow Wolf and some other little stores around town and um yeah, we just tried new restaurants and stuff and it was nice. It was a good little road trip.
01:44
I: Okay, what was your- what are some of your favorite things to do when you are a kid?
01:50
P: When I was a kid. Uh, I like to ride my bike even though now I don’t remember how to ride one. (laughs) Um, I like to cook with my grandma. She would always um, make some bomb lasagna and macaroni and cheese, you know all the pastas. Delicious. And I read a lot when I was a kid, even though I would fall asleep. I would st- I would try to read a lot. Enjoyed it.
02:25
I: Can you tell me more about your family?
02:28
P: Uh, yeah. um, I live with my- I used to live with my mom and my brother. My mom is, not really sure what her profession is. Even though she has explained it, I don’t understand it. But she works from home right now and um I go see her as often as I can and my brother graduated last oh, winter? Spring? Last spring. So, he’s working at Whataburger, you know, trying to get his money and save up for a car. And the only family I have in El Paso right now is my aunt. And her four kids. But, um her oldest has a kid now, so my baby cousin. And she’s like moving from state to state because of her jobs and stuff. And. Yeah.
03:31
I: Can you elaborate on your dad’s side of the family?
03:37
P: I can. um. So. My dad lives in Juarez at the moment. Well, he’s been living there for a while now I used to go visit a lot, but after COVID. I haven’t went as often just because I don’t want to keep crossing back and forth with like germs and all that. But um, my grandma on my dad’s side lives with my Dad’s sister, my aunt and she has three kids, my little cousins. I’m the oldest cousin on that side of my family. So that’s cool. I get spoiled. (laughs) And. I also love to cook with my grandma. She’d be making some new recipes all the time. And I like to go um, what’s it called? Like thrift shop being with her and when they have like yard sales and stuff, we like to do that together. And Yeah.
04:40
I: Can you tell me about your grandparents?
04:43
P: My grandparents on my dad’s side, my grandma has already passed. A while ago I was in middle school and my grandpa’s still here and he has like this thing where if he finds out about a new sickness, [5:00] he thinks he has it. But he’s just fine. The um, I think like last year. He went to the hospital just to get like a little checkup. And they were like, so why are you taking all of these antibiotics and stuff that you don’t need? He’s like, no, I do need it because I’m sick from this, this and this and they’re like, sir, you’re actually getting more sick because of the medicine. You’re taking too many. But, um, yeah, I try to talk to him on the phone as much as I can just because it’s just him and my dad living over there and yeah, and then, my grandma, my mom’s side, she already passed away as well, but Yeah, good memories with her.
05:48
I: Can you talk about those memories?
05:50
P: Yeah um. She was the one who taught me how to read and write. I mean obviously in school they teach you but she was like, she had like these phonics papers, where it if I got something wrong, or like if I couldn’t remember like the, the syllables like you know how we have syllables that are like the EE and the EA and how some words sound different. Sight words. Um, she would be like, okay, you know what you have to do now, gotta wash all the dishes. So that was my little punishment. But it was fun because you know I had a honor roll or whatever in elementary school. So that was nice. I get a little bragging rights, you know, teacher’s pet. (laughs) But, and then. Like I said, I like, cooking with her. She, she taught me how to make some Kool-aid. Which now I’m like, wow, we put a lot of sugar in there. (laughs) Not necessary. Um, we would go walk to the park because it was right next to, to our elementary school so we would walk around for a bit. And she would always have her walking stick because you never know what might happen. Um, but yeah. We we would always go to the store- I remember one memory where, okay, so she hates driving in the rain but she had to go to the store so we’re going to the store. It’s a clear day. And of course, you know, how the weather is here, it changes in two seconds. So on our way back it was raining and I just remember her driving as fast as she could safely. All the way back home but uh, it was just funny. (laughs)
07:40
I: Nice. What are some of your favorite things to do now?
07:47
P: (Sigh) That’s a hard one because I feel like I don’t have as many hobbies as I would like to have. Um, for the most part, after work, I like to just relax, watch some TV. Um, I like to cook, well not really like to cook, but if I need to cook, I like to try different things. That are in my comfort zone. Um, I like to hang out with my friends, you know, whenever our schedules align. Um, I like to go to new restaurants. Try new things. Well, I try too anyways. And yeah, I like to clean a lot. I just rearranged the living room yesterday.
08:39
I: What had been your favorite vacation and why?
08:45
P: My favorite vacation. Okay, so I don’t really remember it completely fully. But I remember going to San Antonio with my mom and my brother. And I remember walking on the the river walk. And it was, it was weird because the rain was like a misty rain and I’ve never experienced that before. It felt like, you know, like when the sprinklers are on and they splashes some water on the side, it’s like, it was like that. And I was like, well, this is weird, my hair is getting frizzy, but it was nice. The River Walk was really pretty. And we went to that one cafe that’s really popular. Hard Rock Cafe, I believe it’s called. Okay. And The food was pretty good even though the weight was really long it was worth the wait. That’s what I remember- I don’t remember what I ordered, but (laughs) and I remember going to an ice cream shop that they had there which was really good. But, yeah, my favorite part about vacations is [10:00] the hotel. Unpopular opinion but (laughs) I like having a good a good view of the city we’re staying in.
10:11
I: For sure. Can you tell me about some of your favorite memories with your siblings, or sibling?
10:21
P: Okay. Um, I have one brother, so. When we were younger, we wouldn’t really get along as much. But now that we do, I feel like, my favorite experience or like favorite thing to do with him is just chill out the house. Cause it’s just good, good times. And we have the same sense of humor of course so everything’s funny to us. (laughs) I like going to the store with him because we like to like people watch you know see what they have around pretend like we’re gonna spend money but then we’re like “man that’s too expensive”, so we just put it back.
11:21
I: What are some of your favorite family traditions?
11:26
P: Favorite family traditions. As I’m growing up, we don’t have as many traditions anymore. Um, I, oh, I would say that one of my favorite traditions would be going to see the lights downtown during Christmas. They have really pretty big trees with the lights and they have food trucks on the side and the food is so good. To die for. (laughs) And we also like to go to this one neighborhood that’s on the east side of El Paso and the neighborhood just all the houses have lights, and they go all out. And it’s just its really pretty and you like drive through. And we get our hot chocolate of course because we like to have the windows down so we could see with better resolution. (laughs) But yeah, I would say that’s my favorite tradition. If I had to pick.
12:38
I: Who do you look up to in your life?
12:40
P: Okay, okay, I look up to my mom. You know, she’s a strong-willed woman, single mom for the most part, you know. um, she gets things done. Even though I get my procrastination from her, I know that even though we wait till the last minute, it’s still going to be finished. And she’s very loving and kind and she makes sure that everyone feels included. So, I hope that I’m like her.
13:18
I: What languages do you speak?
13:21
P: I speak English and Spanish. My first language was Spanish because my dad um, only speaks Spanish and my mom learned Spanish to, you know, obviously communicate with him. As I went to school though, I kind of lost my spo- my Spanish, so. Now that I’m working though um, and there’s like a bigger dynamic of bilinguals, um I feel like I’m using my Spanish more often. So I feel like it’s coming back. So that’s nice.
14:00
I: Have you ever felt uncomfortable speaking your- any language that you speak?
14:05
P: Hmm. I would say when I was younger. If I was in Mexico, I would feel uncomfortable speaking English. And if I was here, I wasn’t comfortable speaking Spanish. Just because in Mexico, not-there isn’t a big population of people who speak English. So they would give us like funny looks or like be really interested in a conversation they don’t understand. But, and here it’s like, well, why are you speaking Spanish? We’re in America type feel. So, yeah, sometimes, but now that I’m older. I don’t care and I’ll speak the language I need to speak at the time I need to speak it. So.
[15:00]
I: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
15:05
P: Hmm. I think when I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher because my aunt is a teacher. My uncle’s a teacher my mom was studying to be a teacher. My grandma taught me. And then when I started middle school, I wanted to be a lawyer. But I think that was just because of like influence on my dad’s side. To like, you know, help them with papers and stuff. And then I decided hmm maybe I want to be a firefighter. But then I went up the ladder and that was very scary. And I’m afraid of heights, so maybe that wasn’t a good option. Then, um, I decided maybe I wanted to do physical therapy. And so in college, I studied kinesiology. And it was just Not for me. So now I’m back to wanting to be a teacher again so taking it slow but getting there. So I guess my dream job when I was a kid is now my dream job now. (laughs)
016:25
I: What advice would you give to yourself at a younger age?
16:29
P: Um, I would tell myself. My younger self to be more confident in my decisions and, in my opinions to be more, to be more vocal. Um, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people might think or say, ‘cause what matters is how you feel and it’s important to put yourself first.
17:07
I: So, what has been your experience living in this region of like the country and how do you think it would differ if you grew up somewhere else?
17:20
P: Hmm. I actually think about this question a lot ‘cause here we have a good demographic like of, of bilinguals. We have Hispanics, blacks, you know, so El Paso and Las Cruces, I guess in this region, I feel very much comfortable with the people I’m surrounded with. If I were to live in just Mexico. I think I would feel out of place. In some areas just because of the way I look. Um, if I lived in, you know, like northern states or East Coast, wherever it might be. I think it would definitely be an adjustment because they also talk differently than we do and they have, you know, like different habits. But, I think where I am right now is the best place for me at the moment.
18:28
I: What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
18:31
P: Honestly, my favorite way to spend my day off is to just lay down and relax. I walk a lot at work, so when I pick my feet up you could just feel like the rush of blood you know circulating so it feels really nice to just you know self care, you know? During the during my days off, you know, actually cook a real meal instead of putting a microwave meal at work. And I don’t mind also hanging out with my friends on my days off, you know, because they don’t get to see them as often as I would like to. But yeah.
19:19
I: What are some things you want to accomplish in the next five years? This can be career wise, um home life, social life, whatever it is.
19:28
P: Okay. Um, in five years, I hope I am back in school. It’s my first semester taking a break so, I hope um I can go back eventually within these five years. That would be nice. Um, I also would like to, I hope that I’m staying in the same area. Or, like within the same area limits just ‘cause like I said I am comfortable here. I hope I am not working [20:00] at the same job I am currently at. Because it’s very stressful. And. You know, I think there’s better out there for me. um, and, I hope that as I’m getting older, as I’m maturing more now that I’m in my twenties that I can be more confident and more strong willed with what I want and yeah.
20:37
I: Nice. If you feel comfortable. Can you tell me what your biggest fear is and why?
20:46
P: Um, I think my biggest fear, not to get all deep, is to like fail. I know a lot of people have that, um fear but I think in terms of within myself like not accomplishing what I believe I can accomplish or um, just disappointing my mom. I know, I won’t in whatever I do she’ll still be by my side and support me through it, but it scares me that one day she’s going to like look at me and be like, well, I expected more. But, and then in terms of that, think to myself, I could have done more, I could have been better. You know? And my not too, not so deep fear is heights. Like, I want to go skydiving one day. But that’s a very high height, so we’ll see. We’ll see. (laughs)
22:03
I: Growing up in the city that you grew up, what was your favorite thing to do there or some of your favorite things?
22:09
P: Oo, my favorite thing to do was go to the zoo. Um, I think we have some pretty cool animals, nothing exotic, right? And it’s not like a big zoo -excuse me- like the bigger cities have but um I don’t know, every time I go to the zoo, I feel like I’m seeing something new just because of the way it’s set up. It’s like a maze. In a way, and I can never read the map (laughs) But (lauhgs) it was always fun to go with my mom, my brother too, to see all the animals because you know animals act different all the time. They’re not just always laying down. Uh, I would like catching when it was like feeding time. They would go like kind of more vocal or like more, what’s the called- What’s the word called? I don’t re- know what word I’m looking for, more active when they’re hungry because they’re like, where’s my food? (laugh) But. And another thing I like to do is go to the Rhinos hockey game at the Coliseum because hockey’s fun to watch in person. And it was all nice and cold. Yeah, those are my 2 favorite things.
23:31
I: Nice. What are some of your favorite things about Las Cruces? Why?
23:39
P: My favorite things about Las Cruces is that my friends are here. The people that make me happy are here in Cruces. And. Let’s see. I used to like going to the volleyball games because that’s just where I used to play so it’s nice to watch that. Um, yeah I would say those, that’s one one my top things about living here in Cruces.
24:15
I: What would you say is the best thing that’s happened to you?
24:21
P: Um, I think the best thing that’s happened to me would be meeting the people that are in my life right now. They support me and they help me talk through my emotions and my decisions. Um, Can you repeat the question again? Sorry. (laughs)
24:50
I: No, you’re okay. Um, what was the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
24:54
P: Oh, okay, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I guess also not to be materialistic [25:00] would be finally getting a car. Because I don’t have to rely on different forms of transportation to get to places and yeah.
25:18
I: What was the best and worst dream you’ve had, if you can remember? And can you describe it to me?
25:24
P: Ooo. This is a hard one because I’m not really good at remembering dreams. But I would sa- I, remember. Okay, my worst dream or my a, a nightmare I had was, we used to live in an apartment that was, two story and when you were upstairs at night, the bottom was pitch black. Like we we didn’t have a night light or anything like that. And the door was right next to the stairs so I had a dream one day that I heard like banging on the door and like glass breaking and I ran out of my room not calling my mom or anybody to help me check downstairs. I just kinda like looked down and I saw like a man walking up the stairs but I couldn’t recognize the person that was coming up. So, I ran back to my room and I couldn’t lock the door so I had to hold the door while he was trying to get in or she whatever this figure was. And my brother was just sound asleep in his bed. And ‘cause it was at a time where we were sharing a room since we were younger. And I just remember like waking up really fast like, should I call my mom or what should I do? Is this real? Like it was one of those very vivid dreams. That was really hard to wake up from. But luckily, I did, ‘cause sleep paralysis is also scary. (laughs) And I guess my best dream, like a good dream I had, would just be like where I kind of just dream of scenery. It would be like a nice sunset or, like a foresty um area and I’m just sitting there in the middle, kind of peaceful. There would be times where there’s like someone I hung out with that day sitting next to me also watching the scenery. And I feel like those are good dreams because there’s no chaos. No dialogue. You know, just, good vibes and I wake up feeling refreshed. (laughs)
27:52
I:Yes, for sure. So as of right now, what are your future plans consist of?
28:01
P: My future plans consist of paying off loans. Um, (laughs) applying to new jobs. Just making sure that I’m taking care of myself as well as others that I care for. And um, I want to decorate my my room a little bit more just to make it more cozy. More settled in. Sometimes I feel like when I’m by myself it still feels like it’s a little echoy like if it’s still like a new house or something. So, I hope that I can accomplish that. Soon. (laughs)
28:53
I: Where are you currently working right now?
28:56
P: I currently work out of Walmart. Um a super, super Walmart, not the, not the neighborhood, but the blue one. Um, it’s a little far from where I live just because there is one next to us and the other one just called me first. So yeah.
29:23
I: What is your involvement within the community, and would you like to do more?
29:28
P: At the moment I think for the community all I do is recycle. (laughs) Not saying much, but I guess it’s better than just tossing everything in the garbage. I try to reuse like water bottles and stuff like that. I do wish I could do more for the community. I just don’t know where I would start when it comes to that. Um, let’s see. Yeah, I yeah, I have no idea where I could- how I could help this community in particular. So, I guess I would have to do some research on that.
30:17
I: Sounds good. Well thank you so much for letting me interview you I really appreciate it and I will stop the recording now.
30:25
P: Okay (laughs)
[30:27]
New Mexico Border Spanish Corpus 