Coming Of Age

Interview Description Juan Mendez (25) talks with Juan Contreras (26) about crossing the border from Mexico to the United States and about the differences between life in Mexico and the United States and what they miss about Mexico. Facilitator Subject Log 1:44 En que trabajas? construcción but jobs have slowed down 5:08 JM goes to martial arts school; black belt; wants to teach martial arts classes 14:00 The story of why JC wanted to come...

Interview Description Magdalena Vigil interviews her grandmother, Perfecta Contreras about Perfecta's life growing up separated from her own mother, her marriages and children. Facilitator Subject Log 01:48 Magdalena calls Perfecta "Abuelita "or "'uelita. " Perfecta was born in San Antonio, Texas. Later she moved back to Mexico with her father who wouldn't let Perfecta's mother see her children. 09:48 Perfecta's life on the ranch with her father....

Interview Description Friends and coworkers Carolina Couto, 26, and Amy Reyes Tam, 28 reflect on the special friendship they have, identity, community work, and future aspirations. Facilitator Subject Log 00:40 Reflection on what friendship is, what it means, how one comes by it. Discussion of how well CC and ART fit with one another. 5:45 Friends discuss the inspiring qualities they find in each other. 13:35 Discussion of aspirations for...

Interview Description Elvia Daley (48) habla con amigo Horacio Elizondo (50) de su vida en Monterrey, Mexico y su carrera como banquera. [Elvia Daley (48) talks with friend Horacio Elizondo (50) about her life in Monterrey, Mexico and her career as a banker.] Facilitator Subject Log 00:45 Elvia nacio en Monterry, Mexico y vivio en Mexico hasta los 20 años. Tuvo 7 hermanos y 6 hermanas. 08:40 Elvia describir su primer recuerdo cuando su familia compro...

Interview Description Leon De Leon (89) talks to his son Reuben R De Leon (40) about his life. Facilitator Subject Log 00:58 Leon talks about being born in Lompoc, CA, but also living in Mexico until he was 7-years-old. 07:50 Leon talks about becoming a signal-man in the Navy. He talks about why he joined the military. 12:30 Leon joined the Merchant Marines and talks about the scariest moment he ever had on a ship. He tells the story about...

Interview Description Michael Diaz-Rivera (23) interviews his mother, Linda Diaz-Rivera-Cleveland (46) about her life, focusing on her experience as a mother. Facilitator Subject Log 00:31 Linda talks about her parents and how she was influenced by them. 03:45 Linda talks about growing up at an early age and going through some difficult times. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a mom. 09:46 Michael asks Linda to list 5 good...

Interview Description Jonathan Eisen, 38, talks with his good friend Paul Sanchez Yates, 42, about the high school social scene in Greenwich, CT, and their favorite hang-out growing up, "The Cafe." Facilitator Subject Log 4:15 JE talks about is identity as a New Jerseyite growing up. There was a sense of pride at being from a place that was the butt of so many jokes. "I'm from New Jersey, and I came out all right." 8:00 JE shares his happiest memory....

Interview Description Yolanda A. Esquivel, 58, tells her daughter Paloma Esquivel, 30, about her family history and pverty, her political awakening and activism, and her hopes for the future. Facilitator Subject Log 0:55 YE talks about her family's loss of land in Southern Texas. Her Mexican family sold land to an Anglo man who bought it with Confederate currency, which was worthless at time of purchase. Another time, other family land was seized when her...

Interview Description Kristi Estrada (13) and Veronica Stark (35) talk about their relationship as teacher/student and their lives. Facilitator Subject Log 00:30 Veronica talks about working for Latina Magazine, getting laid off and then turning to teaching as a profession. 06:20 Veronica talks about why she decided to teach Texas History. Kristi and Veronica talk about the history fair. 16:35 Veronica talks about her first classroom as a...

Interview Description Juan Flores (59) talks with his daughters Sheila Flores (28) and Giovanna Flores (14) about his life as a radio DJ. Facilitator Subject Log 01:16 Juan's greatest influence in his life is his Uncle Jesus who taught him the "fundamental things in life. " 09:10 Juan talks about how he got started in radio broadcasting. He says, "It was an accident. "He started at Pacifica Station and then had a show at KPFT. 12:53 Juan...