Introduction

• Could you please tell me your name?
• What country are you originally from?
• When did you leave for the U.S.? How old were you?

Life and Family in Venezuela

• What was Venezuela like before you left?
• What was your relationship with your family?
• How did your family fare economically?
• How were you as a child and as a teen?
• What do you remember about your community in Venezuela? Were there any defining historical events?

 Migration

• Why did you decide to come to the U.S.?
• Did anyone come with you?  Who did you leave behind in Venezuela?
• How did you feel about leaving Venezuela?  How long did you plan on staying in the U.S.?
• Where did you first settle and whom did you stay with?
• How did you adjust to your new living conditions?
• How did community members receive you?

 Life in the United States

• Did you attend school after arriving here?
• What kinds of jobs did you have?
• Did you move within the U.S.?
• What were your expectations of the U.S.? How did your expectations compare to reality?

Family

• When did you start your family?
• How many children do you have? Could you tell me about them?
• What hopes did you/do you have for your children?
• Do you have any grandchildren?
• Do you still keep in touch with your family in Venezuela?

Belonging

• Have you maintained ties with Venezuela and/or Venezuelan culture?
• How often do you return to Venezuela?
• How are you involved in the Hanover community? In Lawrence, MA? In Caracas, Venezuela?
• How do you identify yourself?
• What are some of your hobbies?