Field Notes - Ruben Martinez (pseudonym) (Compiled March 28, 2011) Interviewee: Ruben Martinez (pseudonym) Interviewer: Stephanie Markunas Interview Date: Monday, March. 28, 2011 Location: Markunas's apartment, Durham, NC Length: 46:28 minutes

THE INTERVIEWEE: Ruben Martinez is an immigrant from Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi, Mexico living in Durham, North Carolina. He migrated from his home town when he was sixteen years old, with dreams of getting ahead financially. He had finished the equivalent of high school in Mexico, but was not able to continue on into the university, due to financial difficulties. Therefore, he saw his only choice as coming to the United States in order to work for a better wage than what he would make in Mexico. His sister was already living in Mississippi, so his first experience was facilitated by the reception of his family there. Working hard in a lumber yard for 5 years, Martinez decided to come to Durham, North Carolina where his brother-in-law was living. He had heard that there was plenty of work here, which was less physically exhausting than lumber work. Therefore, Martinez has been living in Durham for the past year and a half, working as a cook in a local restaurant. He hopes to return to Mexico one day to see his family whom he misses greatly.

THE INTERVIEWER: Stephanie Markunas is a twenty-five year old student, pursuing her bachelor's degree in International Studies and Spanish at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is currently part of Dr. Hannah Gill's course on Latin American Migrant Perspectives (INTS 390 and APPLES Global Course Guanajuato). This interview is a component of a her final project that uses ethnographic research techniques, including oral histories, to focus on immigrant related issues in our local community. This is her second semester here at UNC-CH, having transferred from Durham Technical Community College in the fall of 2010. She has had a long and unique work experience throughout her career, but is currently teaching dance classes to all ages at Studio A DanceArts in Chapel Hill, NC, located behind the American Legion. However, her passion and reason for being in school, is to work with the diversity of immigrant communities in our country. DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERVIEW: We conducted this interview on Monday night in the living room of my apartment. This location was chosen, due to the convenience and quiet atmosphere that it provided. With both of our busy schedules, I was fortunate to be able to conduct this interview. Martinez has known me for several years and felt semi-comfortable in answering an array of question. It was his first interview ever and I sensed a hint of reservation in his demeanor. I think that the recorder was what made him nervous, though he claimed to be at ease. Throughout our discussion, this reservation followed through his answers. Having known this person for some time, I was surprised that certain stories and opinions were not revealed. Instead, answers tended to remain uncontroversial. I feel that the more formal setting of a recorded interview made Martinez feel the need to guard his answers a bit. Note: My Spanish skills are greatly

lacking in correct grammar. Many times, I was unable to fully articulate what I wanted to say. However, for the most part, our comprehension is unhindered. CONTENT OF THE INTERVIEW: This interview was focused, with the intent of revealing the causes and differences between perceptions of gender roles here in the United States and his community in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, a) Questions were asked questions about what he saw as his role as in the community and in his house growing up in Tamazunchaele. b) Questions were asked about whether there were social institutions that facilitate this role structure in the society, especially in school, c) Questions were asked about the common trends that determine women's and men's futures back at home and what the general opinion was of these perspectives, d) Then, questions focused on how that perception in Mexico differs slightly to that in the United States (specifically Mississippi and Durham, NC). e) Discussion about these differences, and the potentiality for difficulties and strains on gender relations, when transitioning in between different societies, was also attempted, f) Furthermore, discussion remained within the realm of his experiences. What was it like and how has he changed, both for better and for worse?

NOTE ON RECORDING: I used an Olympus VN-5200 PC digital voice recorder. The track is approximately 46:28 minutes long and his clear in quality. This transcript has been corrected for proper Spanish grammar. Corrections will be noted in brackets.

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TRANSCRIPT—-Ruben Martinez (pseudonym) (Compiled March 28, 2011) Interviewee: Ruben Martinez (pseudonym) Interviewer: Stephanie Markunas Interview Date: March 28, 2011 Location: Durham, NC Length: 46:28 min. START OF TRACK Stephanie Markunas: My name is Stephanie Markunas. I am interviewing Ruben Martinez. We are in Durham North Carolina. Today's date is March 28,2011 and the time is 6:18pm. We are located in my apartment here in Durham and we are going to be talking about his experiences her in NC and emigrating from Mexico. So my interview is going to stop right now. Entonces, Ruben, £de donde eres? Ruben Martinez: Vengo del municipio de Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. SM: Bueno, entonces ^cuando viniste aqui? RM: Estoy aqui, desde del 2004. SM: Entonces, cuando viniste aqui,