My grandmother was born and raised in a small barrio called Florencio in the municipality of Fajardo. This is east of San Juan and the opposite of the famous resort-ridden capital. Her neighborhood was the epitome of the “countryside” with small houses, farm animals, and crops. In 1984, she took a flight from Puerto Rico to New York at 25 years old with her 3-year-old son (my father) wanting to live a different life. This was the first time she ventured out on her own and in doing so she essentially left everything she had known behind. She heard that New York was the city of opportunities which motivated her despite not knowing any English. Although she had a bachelor's degree from Puerto Rico, it was difficult getting a job with the language barrier. Luckily, when she arrived in New York she was able to live with her sister, who had moved here years prior, until she was ready to be on her own. From there my grandmother enrolled in school where she learned English and computer skills. After some time, she was able to work and support her family on her own. An object that she brought with her to New York was a Pilon del Madera (wooden mortar and pestle) which is used to grind ingredients and spices. This is a staple in many Puerto Rican households and was something she taught me how to utilize. With this tool she was able to make traditional Puerto Rican foods that she enjoyed back home and pass down her family recipes.  

– ER

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant