TRANSCRIPTION
What are your earliest childhood memories?
One memory I always remember was there was no time being sick. If we were sick then that meant we had to stay in bed all day to recover from the sickness. We couldn't get up for nothing. Mother said, "If you're sick, you can't watch the TV. Cause you're sick." I guess that was a way to not "fake sickness". Other than that we were always with my parents. They didnt really let us have any freedom.
![Eva and Pulcheria](Parents.jpg)
What was a typical day as a child growing up in San Antonio like?
A typical day for me on a school day was waking up around five in the morning. We had to do our beds if not mom would get after us. After picking up the room, I would take a shower and brush my teeth. Breakfast was always ready because mom was an early bird so we always ate at home. Once we were done your aunt would pick up the table and I would wash the dishes. I used to hate it so much because they had to be spotless if not mom would make me do them overs again. She was a neat freak. After the kitchen was clean I would get ready for school and the school bus would pick me up at the corner. After getting done with school I had to rush to catch the bus because mom would expect me to get home on the bus. If I arrived late that meant "I was talking to my friends". And mom hated that. When I would get home dinner was served and this time I would pick up the table and my sister would wash the dishes. Afternoon time was to do homework and if there was no homework then we would have to help around the house. On the weekends there was always something to do. Mom had a garden and I used to love helping her plant stuff. She used to grow tomatoes, Chile and stuff like that".
Was it hard keeping up with the garden?
It was times but my mother would always say "you need to give them love. Talk to them and they will grow bigger and better." I thought that was funny but they were better than the stores vegetables. Plus we saved a few cents growing them.
What activities did you and your siblings do for fun?
Well we hardly did anything because my parents were very strict. It was always about helping them around the house or them teaching us how to be responsible.
What type of chores did you have to do as a little girl?
Well like I said I had to pick my room up and wash dishes. Mom used to make me iron everything. Including curtains. I don't know why but she always had to have everything organized. She also had me me sew quilts and sell them just to help ends meet income wise.
![Eva and Pulcheria](Quilt.jpg)
Did you live in the same house growing up?
When mom and dad got married, dad built her that house. And we've live in it all our lives. When they both died, my mother left the house under my oldest sister's name. Never thought she would sell it. It was the saddest day in my life. The house is still there with a bit new things. I pass by it once in a while and remember mom watering the plants.
What was the best and worst part of being the youngest?
The best part of being young was that my parents took very good care of me. The worst part was that I wasn't the oldest so they didn't leave me the house. And if they would have left it to me I probably would of still be living in my parents' house.
What is one thing you've always wanted to do?
Well I've always been wanting to go to Hawaii but thank god I got to experience that. I really want to learn how to play the piano.
![Eva and Pete Fernandez - 1968](babyshower.jpg)
Has Harlandale High School changed since you graduated?
Oh yes, and a lot. It used to be a really small school and it had a lot of land with rocks. And we used to wear uniforms. Now it's gotten so big it even has two story building.
Is there anything else you want to add to the interview?
I just want to say that all of my hard work was because my parents raised me good. I owe it all to them. Also dont get married at a young age. Enjoy your life first!
![Eva and Pete Fernandez - 1968](Married.jpg)
ANALYSIS
While I was interviewing my grandmother she brought up some important points in her life. She kept mentioning on how her parents' raised her and how she owed it all to them. I never knew how strict her parents were until she told me more details about it. Another thing I learned about her was how much she regretted marrying my grandfather. Her feelings changed immediately when she started talking about the divorce. She was so upset and you can tell how hurt she was. I never knew how much hate she had towards him. It almost broke my heart. She also showed a lot of sorrow when she started to talk about how she lost her mother's house. I didn't want to remind her about it so I immediately changed the subject. The view on this topic changed a bit for me. I didn't expect for San Antonio to be so boring back in the day. San Antonio is so beautiful now and has a lot of things to offer. It has upgraded so much and I'm glad I can enjoy it. Her stories really taught me how I should teach more responsibilities to my child. I want her to be successful as well. The benefits of learning about the past is seeing the history of San Antonio and on how much bigger it's gotten. Overall doing an oral presentation is a great way to learn history.
TIMELINE
- Born on October 14, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas
- In 1967 she graduated from Harlandale High School
- In 1967 she married Pedro Fernandez
- June 5, 1968 her first daughter Maria Fernandez was born
- April 28, 1969 her son Pete Fernandez was born
- In 1970, she divorced Pete Fernandez
- In 1970, she started working as a teacher' aide in the Harlandale district
- In 1980, she decided to join the Air Force
- In 1981, she worked for USAA, "United Services Automobile Association"
- She bought her first house in 2000
- In 2002, she received her E7 rank "Master Sargent"
- She received her Associates in Science in HR and Information Management in 2006
- She retired at the age of 60 with 28 years of service in 2007
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