Interview with Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad
Intro
As an American-born child to immigrant parents, I’ve long been fascinated in the social aspects and patterns that exist for second-generation immigrants. Taking a class on the sociology of immigration has benefitted my own understanding of who I am, but also encouraged me to think of my parent’s past and their experience with immigrating to the United States. Both of my parents immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago, but on a different timeline. For this study I chose to interview my mother, Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad. Growing up, my mother had taught my siblings and I the values of resilience, hard-work, good morals, and intelligence. In the interview she mentioned, “I tried to instill what I learned to you guys,” – things that she learned in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago, but also values that she held on to and strengthened through her experience with immigration. In the interview, we discuss her unintentional immigration to the U.S. – by way of marrying my father who was in the military – and how being a military spouse played a key role in her integration and immigrant story to America.
Method and Settings
Prior to my mother giving consent to the interview, she expressed some hesitancy with sharing personal information, topics that were difficult for her to express. This reflects the lived experience of being an immigrant. For most, it is not an easy process and one that carries plenty of emotion and senses of isolation. In hearing the sadness and exhaustion of my mother, but also her desire to enlighten my education and be of assistance with this project, I composed questions that would not feel “too personal.” I shared the questions with her to alleviate any anxiety she was experiencing. The composition of these questions, in itself, took some thought and provided a deeper understanding of the mental strain that immigration can bring about. I had to be careful with my wording, and used course concepts to cultivate questions towards a “generalized” experience of immigration. Upon reading the draft of the questions, my mother consented with peace of mind and took some hours to rehearse for our formal interview – giving her an opportunity to control the associated emotions that may come with it. When she was ready to conduct the interview, we scheduled a time that was convenient for us both: Saturday, December 2nd at around 1:00pm. The interview took place over zoom to situate the comfort of a face-to-face conversation, being that I am away at college, but also to record the audio for transcription. My mother joined via her smartphone in our home office, and I joined via my laptop in a private study room where I reside off campus.
Analysis
Getting Married
In July of 1997, my mother was 24 years old and visiting Canada to see her older sister, who had immigrated there a few years before. At the time, my father, Kishan, had already immigrated to the U.S. and joined the military. He knew that my mom was in Canada so he traveled to go see her, and that’s when they realized that they wanted to get married. This was the exigence of her immigration to the U.S., for that same year they came to the States to tie the knot. My mother’s intention, or focus, was on getting married, not the associated immigration that came with it. She shared, “I just assumed, because he was in the military. Well, obviously, that’s where our life will be.” For her, immigration was associated with the social aspect of getting married and starting a family. My dad happened to be in the military and, through the immigration policy of her being a military spouse, her pathway to becoming naturalized was defined.
Naturalization
Becoming naturalized is the legal pathway to citizenship for all immigrants; however, there are policies and factors that determine how “fast” and how “easy,” it is to become naturalized. In my mother’s case, she was a military spouse and resided wherever my dad was stationed, usually a naval base. Their first places of residence were in San Diego, California and the military base of Twentynine Palms. During this time, my mother shared that our dad was still in the process of gaining citizenship himself, and that was the first step to her naturalization.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “We had to put in paperwork so that dad could become a citizen first, so that my paperwork would be gotten quicker.”
This is a representation of the immigration policy with marital status, but also the codependency that exists within the military. That identification of being a military spouse would allow her papers to be “gotten quicker,” establishing that the U.S. military takes precedence within immigration services, and that social cohesion of granting spouses of service members with citizenship is significant in the U.S. Once my father gained citizenship, he got stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Since my mother was not a citizen yet, traveling outside the country came with certain restrictions; however, “if spouses needed to accompany their military spouses overseas, they had an expedited process to gain citizenship….” (Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad). The year was 2005 and within ninety days of their departure to Japan, my mother became naturalized and gained citizenship. She experienced little to no difficulty with the finalizations of this process, other than the time commitment it took to ensure that each requirement was fulfilled, especially since she was now raising kids.
Starting a Family away from Family
In 2001, my father was stationed on the naval base of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where my mother gave birth to my older sister. In 2003, he was stationed in Bethesda, Maryland where my mother gave birth to me. Though my mother wasn’t a citizen yet, she had access to hospital care on the respective naval bases – a beneficial context of reception that the military provided. Inevitably, my sister and I were U.S. citizens, “jus soli,” but also second generation immigrants. My mother recognized that our social world would look different than her upbringing, and took on the responsibility of being a stay-at-home mom. It was a responsibility she felt fully equipped for, but one that she had to do alone. Since we were a military family, we moved around almost every three years. My mother reflected on the fact that a majority of our family did not reside in the states like we did.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “I think family, as in: aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, those things were important in raising a child, are important and raising children. And that’s the only thing … you guys didn’t have, however, not because of something that we could control.”
Raising a family is a social phenomenon that many people do with the support of other relatives; however, immigration was an obstacle to having the company of family. Regardless of this obstacle that my mother experienced, she did her best in raising us to be “well-rounded” by teaching us the values of her upbringing: rearing us with the customs and traditions of Hinduism and ensuring that we visit family once she gained citizenship. Likewise, it was important to my mother that she educated herself on American holidays such as 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day. As a military family, my mother had the benefit of taking us to events that facilitated the feeling of national pride. She also learned how to cook American meals that were common to each event and ensured that the house was decorated in such a way that felt festive. My mother acknowledged that we were second generation immigrants, and aimed to provide a balance of our cultural duality.
Integrating into the Workforce
After raising my sister and I to a substantial age, roughly toddlers, my mother decided to pursue her ambitions of further education and employment. My mother has prior affiliation with the Red Cross doing volunteer work at Twentynine Palms, and while stationed in Okinawa,
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad in 2015, when she received her degree and graduated as valedictorian of her class.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “it was announced [that] military spouses can gain experience, so that they can become employable wherever [they] go and they will also get preferences wherever they were stationed.”
With a motivated mind, my mother took advantage of that opportunity and got certified to be a dental assistant. She was among a select few military spouses, some who were also immigrants, that got the position. Having this opportunity for immigrant military spouses is a great reflection of the various labor systems that immigrants integrate into. While most migrants take on low-skill jobs and have to seek out employment, the military mitigates that struggle and opens a gateway to future employment by way of “preferences,” as my mother mentioned. At this time, my mother also began to further her education and work towards her degree in Computer Information Science. She had gained an education in Trinidad and submitted her credits to an accreditation board in the U.S., but never got confirmation of its acceptance. It wasn’t an obstacle that she let stop her from integrating into schooling, so she went ahead and successfully obtained a GED. This GED prompted her to begin night classes that were offered nearby, and prepared her to continue her education by the time we returned to the U.S.
“Becoming” American
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “When I got sworn in, like, you know, I had to put my right hand up, swear to be loyal to the United States. So just that action, and having to repeat that oath was huge.”
A core memory for my mother, and likely of most immigrants, was the actual swearing in at the Immigration Services. Taking the oath and recognizing that citizenship in the United States required civil duties and responsibilities created a mix of excitement, but also some nervousness for her. It was a new journey for her to embark on. Ultimately, it was a weight lifted off her shoulders now that she was accepted in this country.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “It was like, Oh my God, I can’t believe this is finally going to happen…. And now you can be free to do the things you want to do, you know?”
There is an associated sense of “freedom” that comes with naturalization. My mother mentioned that not being a citizen was keeping her back from pursuing her education and traveling out of the country. She was most excited to become a citizen and take us to see our grandparents in Canada. Establishing her citizenship allowed for us to maintain those connections with family, it was important to her and to us to visit family at least once a year. Besides the legal shift that naturalization brought to her, she also went through a transformative process of “becoming” American, especially since she was rearing children here. There were certain adjustments that my mother had made and new skills she sought to learn in order to assimilate to American culture, and ensure that my sister and I felt involved in the country that we were growing up in. Much of this, as aforementioned, started with learning about national holidays, and “how” to celebrate each one. Since we were learning about these holidays in school, my mother educated herself on the traditions and historical contexts behind them. For Independence Day, it became a tradition of ours to watch the fireworks on the naval base, eat my mother’s wings, fries, and burgers, and dress in red, white, and blue. My mother enjoyed showing that patriotism and food was an essential component of both Trinidad culture and American culture that she cherished. She learned how to make American food, to suit our taste buds based on what we ate at school, but also with the excitement of trying new things. There was also minimal access to Trinidadian goods, but that didn’t stop my mother from cooking West Indian food.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “…not having what we were accustomed to wasn’t a big deal. Like, if we didn’t get it, we just found the substitutions to make it work.”
Becoming American required this “substitution” for authenticity, and “acceptance” for the lack thereof. Though my mother didn’t view it as an obstacle, it still reflects the limits of diversity for migrants in America and showcases the additional step they must take to stay connected to the roots of their country.
“Being” Trinidadian
My mother never felt that becoming a citizen of the United States made her any less of a Trinidadian. After being raised with those values and customs, it wasn’t something she sought to let go of, and through the years of being in America she chose a very selective acculturation. Her goal was to have us adopt those same values – values rooted in our Hindu religion and Indian ancestry – while being well-rounded enough to understand a balance between our American nationality and our respectable ethnicity.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: “I couldn’t expose you guys to what I was exposed to… but because – I made you guys, I instill those values. I told you what it was about what we… were supposed to do in the house. I felt like you guys had a good background and foundation of it.”
Raising second-generation immigrants came with the reinforcement of traditional values, and highlighted that the social influence of American society may conflict with the ideals of my mother’s upbringing. She had no hesitance, however, in raising us with a dual nationality. She established that her intention was not to immigrate to the U.S., but was focused on getting married and raising a family with the values she was taught: “like any Mommy would.”
Conclusion and Implications
After conducting this interview with my mother, it was evident that immigration to the U.S. looks different for everyone. Factors such as age, social networks, purpose/reason, and the contexts of reception take a significant role in why individuals emigrate from their home country and how they integrate into the U.S. My mother’s story is telling of the role that the military played in her process of gaining citizenship and “becoming” American. As the world systems theory states, international migration follows global markets such as military presence. There is much history that reflects this and aligns with her immigration experience. In this course, we studied the War Brides Act of 1945, that permitted the wives of U.S. servicemen to immigrate to America. Similarly, my mother was granted an expedited process of naturalization to accompany my father when he was stationed overseas. The implication is that our conceptions of family have shaped how we view immigration in the United States, and how we revise and apply policy to accommodate for that social relationship. After the interview, my mother shared further context of the social impact of 9/11 on protecting her rights to citizenship:
“Also, because [we] were accompanying Dad overseas, having citizenship would protect travels back to the U.S. in case of any emergencies.” (Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad, December 8th 2023). This informs the study of immigration policy, for it is in constant flux and dependent on, or determined by, current world events and national safety standards.
Her story also reflects the shared narrative of many immigrants that involves a practice of balancing and exchanging two identities. The “substitutions” she had to make for cultural goods, the lack of access to a religious place of worship, and her adamancy on instilling ‘those’ values of her upbringing are things that many immigrants experience. There is a lack of diverse resources in the U.S. that creates a disconnect between migrants and their home country. Undeniably, America is a new world to immigrants and will provide resources that are inherent to the U.S. However, if immigration rates are expected to rise and be encouraged in America, we should seek to create an atmosphere that makes the States feel like a “home away from home.” In this course we explored the “Latinization of Harrisonburg,” and how Hispanic culture is slowly permeating and being recognized in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This is a pattern of immigrants building their culture from the ground up and spreading it to American society. If local governments recognize their immigrant population, allegedly by way of the Census, establishments such as international food markets, places of worship, and jobs can be built to provide for that population and close the gap between the distance of native country.
All in all, immigration is a social process that relies on a migrants connection to institutions, people, and their native society. In my mother’s case she was tied to the military through my father, connected with family in Canada, and tied to the values of her upbringing in Trinidad. Each of these factors made her immigration an easy process, and her story highlights the importance of taking advantage of these circumstances, “because not everybody has the opportunity,” (Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad).
Vanessa, Kishan, and their children (Kaya, Kasi, and Vivek) visiting Twentynine Palms, CA.
[00:00] Kasi Harripersad: Hi, my name is Kasi Harripersad. And today is December 2 2023 1:12pm. And I’m here with my mom interviewing her for this interview project about immigrants. So Mom, do you want to state your name and where you’re from?
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: Yes, my name is Vanessa Edoo Harripersad, Edoo being my maiden name, and I was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Kasi: So when did you arrive in the US? What year? And how old were you?
Vanessa: It was July of 1997. So I’d be 24 going on 25.
Kasi: And what prompted your arrival to the US?
Vanessa: At the time, I was vacationing at my sister’s home, your aunt, and your dad, at the time, he had joined the military and was living in, was stationed in San Diego. But he came to visit me in Canada. And after chatting with him, I realized or we realized what his intentions were, which was to get married. And I agreed. And that’s what prompted the arrival to the US.
Kasi: So did you arrive that July to the US or was it a few months later?
Vanessa: No, it was July. Yeah.
Kasi: And did you or once you guys arrived in the US…. Was it, you know, decided that you guys were going to stay in the US?
Vanessa: When we got to the US? Well, dad was in the military. And he couldn’t, I don’t think at that time. I thought whether he could get out or not. But he was in the military. And I don’t think it ever crossed my mind as to Hey, should I ask if – that didn’t really cross my mind? You know? I just assumed because he was in the military. Well, obviously, that’s where our life will be.
Kasi: Right. So you said dad was in San Diego at the time? Um, how long did you guys stay in San Diego.
Vanessa: Um, I went in July. In August, we flew back to New York. And then in September, we got married. And then we flew back to San Diego.
Kasi: So that was a lot of moving around. So how was it, like, settling into the US being a new country?
Vanessa: Um, well, it took some getting used to. You had to learn about, you know, what were the do’s and don’ts. How to carry about yourself. Which wasn’t really difficult because, you know, being raised in Trinidad with the upbringing that I had, it was fairly – that transition was fairly easy. However, because it was a new country, you still have to, to learn about the country, you know? Things like that.
Kasi: So what was your process of gaining citizenship in the US and becoming naturalized?
Vanessa: What was the process? Well, because dad was here. Dad had to put in my paperwork. So it started by that.
Kasi: And had dad already gained citizenship at this time.
Vanessa: No, no so when he put, when we began looking into putting in my paperwork, we were advised to, to have dad gain his citizenship, so that my process will go faster. So we had to put in paperwork so that dad could become a citizen first, so that my paperwork would be gotten quicker.
Kasi: Okay. Yeah. So was it an easy process, a difficult process?
[05:00] Vanessa: Uh, no. It wasn’t, I wouldn’t say it was difficult. It’s just that it took up a lot of time, you know, there’s a timeframe for things to take place. So it was just a matter of putting stuff in and just waiting until all the paperwork came through and when it came through, well, before it actually finally came through, you know, you would get notifications from the US CIS at the time, I think it was the INS at the time, you know, immigration services, that they received receipt of the forms. Or let’s say they were missing something, they would say, okay, they were missing this particular information, then we’d have to send what they needed. If they wanted me to, I remember getting, I had to go and get the fingerprinting done. So they had sent notifications that okay, you have to go to this particular building to get your requirements that was needed to get the process completed.
Kasi: And about how long did it take for you to gain that full citizenship?
Vanessa: I got citizenship in 2000 and… Just before we went to Okinawa, we went to Okinawa, I believe, beginning of 2006. So 2005 is when I got citizenship when I became a naturalized citizen, and it was because dad was in the military. And at that time, if spouses needed to accompany their military spouses overseas, they had an expedited process to gain citizenship. So because I kind of like fell into that timeframe. I think it was 90 days. From the date of departure, they speeded it up.
Kasi: So were there any, like final tests or anything that you had to do in that timeframe? In order to get that citizenship?
Vanessa: I don’t recall having to be tested. Like I know, very vaguely that, you know, talking to other people that Oh, you have to take a test? I don’t recall.
Kishan Harripersad (Dad): Yeah, they had a few questionnaires. When is American independence? Things like that.
Vanessa: Yeah, I don’t recall Kasi. That was your dad just chiming in. I don’t recall being questioned. Really. If I did, I guess I did. Well, yeah. Because I got it, you know, so.
Kasi: So there wasn’t anything on like, American history or reading writing stuff that you have to do?
Vanessa: Well yes. Coming to think of it. Yes. They I think they did ask what your language is, what language you speak, if you’re fluent in English. So yeah, I vaguely remember being asked some questions. What questions? I can’t remember.
Kasi: Yeah. And you were fluent in English. That’s the language that you grew up with?
Vanessa: Yes, yes.
Kasi: And so did you ever consider or do you have dual citizenship in Trinidad and the US or?
Vanessa: By virtue of being born there, I’m a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. And by virtue of being naturalized here, I’m a citizen of the United States. So yes, I do have dual citizenship.
Kasi: Yeah. And so you said you went overseas to Okinawa, was coming back to the US after now that you had had citizenship? Was it easy to come back and settle back into the US?
Vanessa: I, I guess so. Now, Okinawa was, I would say, that was like the third duty station we were at so I had already… We had lived in Maryland prior to. That’s where I got citizenship. So we were living there you guys were younger. So my focus was really on raising you guys. So to say that when it was easier or more difficult, my world was revolved around you guys. And, whatever I needed to do. I just did it. So I didn’t really encounter any type of – what’s the word – any type of restrictions or anything like that.
[10:00] Kasi: And how was it like raising us in the US now that you had, like, just become a citizen? And you also had us?
Vanessa: How was it? Um, before I came to Canada, I was waiting on a vacancy to become an elementary school teacher. So that was my background. So having kids was like, the perfect opportunity, I guess, for me. So it was like, raising, having students of my own. So I never looked at it that way actually, now that we’re talking about it, I’m looking at it that way. But yeah, I was I think I was really equipped to look after you guys. I I protected you guys like, like any Mommy would. Gave you guys provided for you guys, whatever you needed to, to have to have a successful life. So I think raising you guys wasn’t difficult at all. However. Now, looking back, I tried to give you guys everything. You know, so that you’ll be well rounded. Having family close by would have been I guess the what do you call, the ideal? Yeah. And because we moved every three years that wasn’t something that was that wasn’t something that I could have provided that family but whenever we got the chance to go visit we would you know? Yes. I think family as in aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, those things were important in raising a child are important and raising children. Yeah. And that’s the only thing looking back now I think that you guys didn’t have, however, not because of something that we could control. I tried to have you guys involved in different things to like a lot of extracurricular activities. To make, I guess your experiences and upbringing full of events?
Kasi: I think that we did have like a good close connection with family. I mean, from what I remember, I feel like growing up, we were always visiting Canada and seeing family. So yeah, thank you guys, for all that you’ve done. So you said you mentioned being an elementary school teacher? Was that your first job in the US?
Vanessa: Um, in the US, was that my first job? No, the first time it was in Cuba. Because, you know, I had to wait to get my citizenship. It was, you know, you couldn’t like, like, furthering my education was something that I wanted to do. But now, because I was in another country that there was a pause on that. So I had to do what I had to do. Not that I needed a job. But you know, I don’t even know why I even got the job. But I got the job. It was an administrative assistant job with a general contracting company on the island. Okay, this job I guess just to get to keep busy and put get my foot in the door so to speak, you know?
Kasi: And was it difficult to get that job?
Vanessa: No, like, I don’t ever remember it. I remember it being difficult. Yeah, I don’t think I had any issues. I can’t even remember how, why I got the job. How I got the job. It’s been so long. Yeah, I don’t know if it’s because we saw an ad on the paper. Yeah. Or we met someone who knew I didn’t have a job and maybe referred me to that company. I don’t know. I really can’t recall.
[15:00] Kasi: Were there a lot of immigrant workers in that job? Or was it?
Vanessa: Yes, yes. There were a lot of people from other countries. Islands really close to Cuba who came there and was working.
Kasi: Okay. And so did you stay in that job for long? Or was it?
Vanessa: No, I didn’t. I found out that we were having your sister. So I worked up until, I guess, eight months of being pregnant with her, and then the last month I stayed home.
Kasi: Okay. Nice. And so, um, what was it like you mentioned you wanted to further your education, after, you know, having that job, and then finally gaining citizenship. What was it like to get an education here in the US? Or did you pursue it immediately after getting citizenship?
Vanessa: I couldn’t, because I had you guys. That was a priority of, of ours to raise you guys. With me being a stay at home mom seeing that we didn’t have family. I wasn’t comfortable with leaving you guys with strangers. My decision was for the first five years to be a stay at home mom. So I had no, I didn’t go to the school immediately. No.
Kasi: And I’m gonna, I’m gonna come back to this question. But um, as far as like building social connections, you said you didn’t want to leave us with strangers. And we didn’t have family. Was it easy to build social connections? Or was it kind of, not something you were interested in.
Vanessa: The time didn’t allow it. Because I was so focused on both of you, because once we left Cuba, we found out we were having you. And then when we were in Maryland, I had like to raise both of you. So I guess when you guys were of age when you were not infants anymore. But toddlers. Mommy needed some mommy time. So I got me a job. At the Fort Meade base there. And I worked at school age services. It’s an after school program where you enhance the already learnt knowledge that the kids acquired during the daytime, you just do activities in the afternoon to enhance those skills. And it was a way to facilitate members of the military having different hours of work, some military members wouldn’t get off until like really late in the afternoon. So they needed that program to take care of their kids. So during the time when I needed a little break from looking after you guys, I worked there for a while. While I worked there dad took you guys to the CDC, where he worked in Bethesda. So you guys were there for not a long time. I would say maybe for about six months, and then we found out we had to move to Okinawa. So did I answer that question? I felt like –
Kasi: Yeah. I think so. So you moved to Okinawa, and then back to the US around? What year was that?
Vanessa: Yeah, we moved. 2009.
Kasi: And so did you. When did you? Or what year was it that you decided that you were going to pursue your education?
[20:00] Vanessa: Well it started in Okinawa. So again, my intention was never to come to live in the United States. It happened because like I just explained. The education system in Trinidad was different from the education in the US. So I believe, I don’t have any ill intentions in saying that a lot of immigrants had to, if they wanted an education, had to go back to school. They had to start from a GED which is a General Equivalency Diploma. So that’s the first thing I had to do. I knew there was a way that you can get your certificates and present them to an accreditation board, which I think we did, but we never heard from them. So I just went ahead and did the GED. And because you know, you guys were in elementary school, I attended night classes. Okay. And dad was at home, so you know, he’d be with you guys. And so I started night classes geared towards getting the degree that I wanted, which was in Computer Information Science. So luckily, there was that educational opportunity there. So I took, I decided to, to do it. Because ultimately, you know, that’s what I wanted to do to go back to school. So I took a couple computer related courses there.
Kasi: Yeah. And so what made you choose that degree?
Vanessa: It’s something I was always intrigued by as a matter of fact, in Trinidad. Sorry, where were we? I forgot.
Kasi: What made you choose computer information science?
Vanessa: So in Trinidad I was offered it, but dropped it. And I was like, I shouldn’t do that. Growing up after that. I was like, I shouldn’t have done that. So I was always fascinated and intrigued by it. And yeah, that’s what made me want to do it.
Kasi: Nice. And what was your first job with that degree?
Vanessa: It was at a technology help desk. Which is the first first job that you get after pursuing that degree.
Kasi: And was it was it difficult to get that job or anything like that?
Vanessa: Actually no, like, I don’t know if I’m just blessed. Right where I did go to do my classes there were interviews being held by different companies for students in that field. They like, so they came on site and they interviewed students who did that. Oh yes, one more thing, Kasi. While we were in Okinawa, there was an opportunity that the Red Cross provided to military spouses. And I forgot to mention that when we, our first duty station was in Twentynine Palms, I had joined the Red Cross there and did volunteer work there in the medical records department. So I had that affiliation since Twentynine Palms. So in Okinawa, we saw the opportunity it was announced where military spouses can gain experience so that they can become employable wherever we we go and they will also get preferences wherever they were stationed. So the opportunity was to become a dental assistant. And so I, at the time, I didn’t have a job. Yes, you guys were old enough where I could get a job. So I decided to take up the offer. But there was an interview process that I had to go through. And they were only going to select a few from that. That batch. Luckily, I got chosen as one of the persons to do the course. So I went ahead and I did the dental assistant course where I completed it successfully and obtained a certificate.
[25:20] Kasi: Nice. And were you in that job with other military spouses who are also immigrants? Or was it?
Vanessa: Yes, yeah. It was a mix. It was immigrants and Americans.
Kasi: Okay. Well, congrats on earning that opportunity and getting that position. So after coming back to the US after Okinawa, and now having gained that citizenship, what are some core memories? Or what was one moment that you feel kind of defined you as a US citizen? What was something that was a core memory or an important moment for you?
Vanessa: When I got sworn in, like, you know, I had to put my right hand up, swear be loyal to the United States. So just just that action, and having to repeat that oath was huge.
Kasi: Was that something that you had to do in court? Or?
Vanessa: No, no, it was at the immigration services. Myself along with other members in that particular room that they, they get everybody together, and they do the swearing in in batches.
Kasi: Wow. Yeah. Um, was that something that you felt like? Were you nervous to do so? Were you excited?
Vanessa: A bit everything it was, there was nervousness. It was like, Oh my God, I can’t believe this is finally going to happen. Because that was the thing that was keeping me back from furthering my education. It was a sign that okay, you have your paperwork now. And now you can be free to do the things you want to do, you know? So yeah, that was huge.
Kasi: What were some things that were very notable, that changed for you when you became a citizen, whether it be like getting your education, or even just like daily life things?
Vanessa: What was notable after getting my citizenship?
Kasi: In other words, like, once you became a citizen, what were things that you could do now? Or do on a daily basis that maybe you couldn’t do before?
Vanessa: Well I wouldn’t say daily basis, but one thing was traveling to Canada. Like while getting my paperwork, I had to stay within the United States. I couldn’t travel. We traveled only because your dad was in the military. So myself and you guys had to get what do you call it? It’s a passport, federal passport or passports that were given to military dependents to travel with the military member. Those passports allowed us to travel to Okinawa. But that’s the only place that I, I could go, you guys could have gone anywhere because you were citizens, right. But I could only go to the places that we were given orders to go to, but like international travel, I couldn’t because I didn’t have my paperwork. So that was one thing that was like, now we can travel. So that’s why we ended up traveling back and forth to Canada so many times.
[30:31] Kasi: Yeah. And what was that? So up until then, we hadn’t really gone to see family.
Vanessa: Up until then? Before we, before we went to Okinawa, we went to Canada to spend Christmas there with your Nani and Nana and the relatives. Um, yeah, so you guys went there. We all went there. And then dad had to gain some type of training in Camp Lejeune. While we stayed there with your Nani and Nana, dad had to go on his training. And then when he went to his training and Camp Lejeune, he came to Canada and then we flew from Canada to Okinawa, with connecting flights we had to do a stopover in. In Maryland. We stayed with your Aunt Mira and Uncle Capal one night, then we flew to Seattle, then we, I can’t remember if we spent a night there or not but then from Seattle, we flew to Okinawa.
Kasi: And so you said that prior to gaining citizenship, you weren’t able to travel to Canada. That time that we traveled to Canada for Christmas. Correct me like if I’m misunderstanding you didn’t have citizenship just yet. Right?
Vanessa: Yeah I got it in 2005. We went 2006. So once we got that I was like. Yes! We can go to Canada. We went and we spent the Christmas Day because of that if, if I didn’t have my citizenship, I don’t think it’s something that we could have done. Maybe they could have come to see us. But us going there may not have been feasible. Well, we couldn’t do it.
Kasi: Well, that’s exciting.
Vanessa: Obviously you guys were younger. So it was nice that, you know, your grandparents got to see you guys. Before we left.
Kasi: Yeah. And so what were some things about, you know, now that you were a citizen, kind of, after Okinawa, we resided in the US for, you know, all of our time after that, what were some things about US culture and American society, that excited you that you were drawn to, like, participate in?
Vanessa: Well, then it was Fourth of July, there was Thanksgiving, to learn about all these different traditions. Dad being in the military kind of like helped with with that excitement, because, you know, there was always events going on on the bases. And yeah, it’s something that we had to learn about. I mean, you guys were going school, the schools. And I mean, we will you will, you also will, learning about the United States, the different cultures and traditions and all of that, but Thanksgiving was a big one. You know, you had to learn about why it was celebrated, and how to prepare all the different meals and all of that, which today, we will say, I think we do a great job. Don’t do that, do you think?
Kasi: And so how was it kind of learning those new traditions but also sticking to your traditions back in Trinidad? Like how’s that creating that balance? And did you feel like you let go of certain aspects from Trinidad?
Vanessa: Well, okay, so in Trinidad…. Well, we’re Hindus. So after I got Christened, I had to uphold a spiritual day, which was a Thursday, you had to like fast on that day. So that’s something that I did. When I got Christened, I believe I was like, between eight and 10, around there when I got Christened. So we did that on a weekly basis. And then when we started living here in the United States, after you guys were born, having to wake up and look after babies, and all of that, you know, I didn’t have the time to, to do that anymore. Until just recently, now that you guys are grown, yeah, I can get back into it. Not that I totally, you know, ignore that. It’s just that it involved, you know, getting up really early in the morning, and taking a bath and doing religious prayers and all of that, which is something that it just wasn’t feasible, because I had to look after you guys. And it was tiring, you know. So. Yeah.
[35:00] Kasi: And I know that growing up, and this is only if you’re willing to talk about it, I know that you had a lot of participation and appearance and the temple, which is our place of worship, coming to the US and not having much access to that did that kind of affect you in any type of way?
Vanessa: I would say that. I don’t know if I want to use the would affect me. But not being able to do so did have its downfalls mainly because I couldn’t expose you guys to what I was exposed to, which I thought that you guys needed. Like I think every every religion, every family that is religious, I would want that for the kids to be a part of that. And because we moved around like we did, to different bases. That in that the religious institution wasn’t there. But I didn’t let that hinder me. Because I tried to instill what I learned to you guys, we did keep the Diwali religious holiday alive every year, we did what we would do back home, which is the fast thing and the cleaning and getting prepared for Diwali. And so that was something that I kept. And we did every year, religiously. And so that yeah, that that would be an I don’t know if, like, effect sounded like it was maybe a bad thing. I think because I was able to not be the substitute for that. But because I think I I made you guys. I instill those values. I told you what it was about we we did what we were supposed to do in the house. I felt like you guys had a good background and foundation of it, you know, and whenever we did have the opportunity to go to a temple. We did We did go, you know. So? Yeah,
Kasi: I would say that. Yeah, I think that you did give us a good foundation. And that’s a good way, especially as an immigrant coming to American society where our religious values aren’t really dominant. And around a lot. I think that, you know, it’s important that you raised us with those values because it kind of kept that alive. And, you know, it was it was a good way of like, telling us, you know where we come from, especially since we didn’t grow up in Trinidad and we didn’t grow up with that access, right, exactly that you had. So I think I think you did a good job with that. Well and besides, you know, religious service as far as culture and whether it be food or clothes or activities, when we moved around, I know that we moved to like military bases. But were those certain things like stores and stuff to get stuff for food? Were those things that you guys always searched out for?
Vanessa: Yes, yes. You know, things that we things that we, we were accustomed to getting that we couldn’t get. We got the substitutions for it, you know, so, and, and over the years. I, it’s not that I, I tried to do without it, but I, I got, I had, I had to, to learn to accept, okay, we may not get something, but there’s a substitute for it. So yeah, so we still eat the same foods that we grew up eating, which you guys know. That’s what I cook. And not that we don’t or I haven’t tried to cook American food or food from different countries. Yeah. But not having what we were accustomed to wasn’t a big deal. Like, if we didn’t get it, we just found the substitutions to make it work.
Kasi: And so how does being an immigrant shape your daily life here in the US in terms of, you know, politics, economics and social institutions?
[40:00] Vanessa: Well, we just touched on that social institution, which is having a religious temple that is accessible. We do have one now, which is in Maryland. Yeah. I forgot the place. Fort Washington, I think, and it’s like an hour away. Sometimes I get invitations to come to the different various celebrations. And when we could, if we, if we could go we go if we can, we just can’t. So that’s the thing, even though it’s far away, just knowing that, you know, it’s there is it feels good. Like, I guess I really don’t have another country to compare it to, because when I left I was what 24 going on 25? I think I would consider myself young, inexperienced. Yeah. Not, not with the knowledge I have now about politics, and you know, the way the country is run and stuff like that. So I would say wherever you live, you have to be aware of the political society. You have to be aware of everything that you do, the way you spend money. The way you live your life.
Kasi: If I could. Yeah, if I could good question. I know Trinidad currency is different than US currency. Was it hard to kind of transition between the two?
Vanessa: Well yeah you have to get used to what the coins look like and how much it was worth. So yes, yes. You did have the, “Okay. Is this a quarter?” Okay. This is… it was called a quarter here it isn’t called a quarter in Trinidad. It was called 25 cents. Or Bob. 10 cents wasn’t a dime. Here. It was 10 cents. Okay. Was five cents not a nickel? You know, so, yes, you had to familiarize yourself with the currency.
Kasi: Right. So did you What did you guys have for 10 cents? Was it like pennies? Or was it was it coins?
Vanessa: A 10 cents coin was similar to the dime like, what do you call that silver? Yeah. Penny was copper. The quarter was silver. What else did I miss quarter. The nickel? The nickel was our five cents was five cents five individual cents.
Kasi: We’re there? So I feel like if I were to go back to Trinidad and see the currency, my mind would be a little bit blown. When you know when you came to the US Were there things that you were just like, wait, they do that here? Or like, Wait, that’s this price here? Are there things that like stood out to you? Or you were a little bit like, confused about that you had to kind of like teach yourself and get used to.
Vanessa: Nothing is popping into my head right now. But I guess certain things were bigger. Yeah. Like maybe chocolate bars were bigger. ice cream cones were bigger things that, that we never have in Trinidad. We saw it here, you know? I can, nothing is popping into my head to see. Okay, that was, you know, the currency is something I really need to familiarize myself with. So yeah. Well dad and I so. Yeah, as well, I guess with anybody living in any other country would have to, you know, right.
Kasi: And I think that kind of concludes a majority of the questions that I have, but as far as you know, being an immigrant, and coming from a country that you grew up with that kind of built your foundation for life. What is your biggest takeaway or something important to you, as an immigrant to the United States?
Vanessa: Oh, boy, that was a lot. Do you mind repeating what you just said?
[45:00] Kasi: Or what is like your biggest takeaway as an immigrant to the United States? Or what is something that is most important to you? When you think about yourself as an immigrant.
Vanessa: I know that’s how I’m termed how I’m called. However, my intention was never to live here. Right. Like I think I mentioned previously, it happened as a result of, you know, us getting married. What’s, what’s important? Uh, the fact that we are here. Well, the fact that I’m here that I have my paperwork that I can move around freely. That’s that’s important, because not everybody has the opportunity. You know, they’re still immigrants who still don’t have their paperwork, it’s still stored somewhere being processed. And they I’m sure they are just, they, they are just like me when I was them. Before I had my paperwork, you know, you’re not sure. Can I go to work and I go to school, what’s going to happen and then medical. Being seen, if you got ill and stuff like that, if you don’t have paperwork, that could be an issue. Because getting medical care is expensive. And if you don’t have your citizenship or landed papers, you have to pay out of pocket, it’ll be more expensive as opposed to like, let’s say you, you have a, you get a job because you have your paperwork, certain jobs provide medical insurance for the employee.
Kasi: So yeah, having that citizenship definitely alleviated all of those, you know, kind of being stuck in limbo and not really being…
Vanessa: Yes, it gave me a sound firm footing.
Kasi: That’s good. Well, I don’t know. Is there anything else that you feel like sharing?
Vanessa: Um, well, I love you very much.
Kasi: I love you more. Well, thank you. Yes, go ahead.
Vanessa: Well, I’m happy I was able to be of help to you. I hope I did you justice.
Kasi Harripersad: Yes. I don’t think there’s anybody else that could have explained that story better than you. So. Thank you for helping me today. That concludes our interview.
Vanessa Edoo-Harripersad: It was my pleasure.
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