Genoeva "Eva" Cantu

Successful single mother

San Antonio, Texas

March 2015

Angelica Vasquez

Palo Alto College

History 1302 - Spring 2015

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.

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.

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!