Interview with Rimpal Patel, 2018

Andre Rochet: Hello, this is Andre Rochet, I'm here on behalf of the Latino Oral History Project at the University of Louisville. I'm joined by my cohort, Olivia Campbell, and today we have the honor of interviewing our honored guest, Rimpal Patel. So first we want to say thank you Rimpal for coming and, giving us a piece of your story.

Rimpal Patel: You're welcome.

AR: Sure, okay. So, let's go ahead and begin. we're just gonna start off with some basics and background questions, if that's okay with you, just to get a little idea of how you grew up and, your home country.

RP: Sure.

AR: So first can you just tell me where you were born and, I guess where you were raised?

RP: Well, I was born in Panama City, Panama and I was raised in Panama City.

AR: Of course, yea. So where are you--or I should say your family originally from?

RP: Well, my parents are from India. Like my whole family is from Gujurat. The 1:00state in west India.

AR: Mhm.

RP: My father--grandfather--first came to Panama when he was 20, and afterwards my dad came to Panama when he was 10. My dad practically grew up and studied in Panama. My mom came to the country after she got married. However, I must say, the first person from my family to come to Panama was my grandfather's, like, father-in-law.

AR: Okay, could you describe to us a little bit of what growing up in Panama was like?

RP: Panama City is a very un-usual place to grow up. Panama is a very unique place for sure. I say it is a unique country because we have so much diversity. We have people from all around the country. You can see people from china, India, Colombia, Venezuela, even the united states, Russia, the Caribbean and from all around Latin America. Therefore, there is no specific racial description of a Panamanian.

AR: Hm.

RP: Most Panamanians are a mixture of black, like, Indian ancestry, Indian and 2:00Spanish heritage.

AR: Hm, wow.

RP: Plus, All the people from these different nationalities has influenced the Panamanian culture like, in many ways. For example, we used to have, we still used to have, like, have Chinese food breakfast.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We have Arepas from Colombia

AR: MhmRP: and Venezuela

AR: Sure.

RP: and we have our own food such as pixbae, sancocho.

AR: Hm, wow, okay. So would it be safe to say you lived in the urban or more of the rural area in Panama?

RP: I lived my whole life in Panama City. Living in the city is like living in traffic. We have traffic the whole day. Normally going to school would take me 5 minutes however with traffic it would take me between 12 to 15 minutes.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like, that's a huge gap!

AR: Mhm.

RP: My schedule was pretty flexible: like all children in Panama I went to school from 8 o'clock in the morning to 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I went to a bilingual school so we learned most of our subjects in English with the 3:00exception of Spanish of course and Panamanian history.

AR: Oh, wow.

RP: Going to a bilingual school did influence my English and the idea that I wanted to go to a foreign country and reinforce my language. School in Panama is different from school in the united states. I haven't had any experience related to high school here

AR: Mhm.

RP: However, like, Hollywood has given me some insights, I must say.

AR: Mhm, sure sure.

RP: I don't want to say what they show is really real, however I must say is different in the way of learning and the environment itself. With this I mean, in Panama every educational institution be it high school, middle school or college, we have a really, like, collectivist way of learning. Like we constantly do study works, and stuff like that, while here in the united states I have seen a very individualistic approach, people do everything by themselves.

AR: Wow. That's actually really interesting. So, in Panama, at least culturally, have you noticed anything unique about your people or--?

RP: Yea, I mean, Panamanians are very patriotic. We love our country so much and we defend it too especially if a foreigner say something bad about our country, even though what the person is saying is right.

AR: Sure. (laughs)

RP: I mean, we sure defend it. Patriotism in Panama can also be reflected during patriotic holidays. So in Panama we have a lot of holidays in November. Like, Half of our days in November are celebrated with something related to our nation. Especially the first two weeks.

AR: Sure.

RP: For example, the 3rd of November we celebrate the separation of Panama and Colombia, the 4th we celebrate the day of the flag, the national anthem, and many more holidays in November. And during these days, all schools march with music, cheerleaders, and show their love for their country. It a great month, I myself was a cheerleader in my senior year. It was a great experience.

AR: Wow, how cool is that! Okay, so , going back to more I suppose growing up in Panama, for you personally can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up 5:00and you know the neighborhood you lived in, how, you know, what was it like?

RP: Okay, My neighborhood was great. It was pretty much full of older people.

AR: Sure.

RP: People who have retired or people with older sons or daughters. Therefore, I had few friends in my neighborhood. Nevertheless, I was close with my neighbors. We celebrated Christmas, new years, holy week together. They had a great influence in my bicultural life, especially on food.

AR: Mhm.

RP: For example, eating patacones which is fried plantains at least one a week.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And also the idea of watching telenovelas which is like daily soap while eating.

AR: Oh okay okay.

RP: We cannot digest our food without it. (laughs)

AR: (laughs) Sure, I actually had the chance to try patacones, they're very good, I have to say.

RP: Yea, I love it!

AR: Alright, so continuing on with the theme what language do you speak at home, and do you speak any other languages?

RP: So at home, I speak Guajarati because of my mom.

AR: Oh okay.

RP: My mom always wanted me and my sister to embrace not only the latin American culture but as well as the Indian culture.

AR: Mhm.

RP: On the other hand, I talk to my dad and my sister in Spanish. So, I basically speak both languages at home.

AR: Oh, wow.

RP: Yes, I do speak other languages: I speak English, Hindi and basic French. I learned English at school as I said before I went to a bilingual school. I learned Hindi through Bollywood movies and Indian dramas. I was pretty interested in them thanks to my grandfather and grandmother, like, during vacation when I went to their houses or their home, they practically have those movies and daily soaps being played constantly on tv

AR: (laughs)

RP: so, it was easy to catch up the language.

AR: Sure.

RP: And French well at school they had French as an extra curricular language and I took it for 12 years,

AR: Right, oh wow.

RP: However, I don't, like, I did not learn a lot of French. (laughs)

AR: (laughs) Sure, okay. So, do you have any siblings?

RP: Yes, I have an older sister. She's 25, she did her undergrad in business administration at Townson University and her masters at Florida International University. Currently she is working as a senior accountant at the sub 7:00headquarters of Grainger in Panama. Like, Grainger's is an international industrial company like it's international--

AR: Mhm.

RP: it's from the US and it's based in Panama--

AR: Right.

RP: That offers like different industrial equipments, maintaining supplies and tools and etc.

AR: That's good, that's good. Okay, so do you or your family participate in any organized religion and how important would you say it is in your family and why?

RP: Okay so, in the present, I am engaged in Hinduism

AR: Okay

RP: because my family.

AR: Okay.

RP: However, I do not actively participate in it because I do not go to the temple usually.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I do pray once a day because that makes my mom happy so I do it.

AR: Sure.

RP: I mean, anything that makes her happy

AR: Mhm.

RP: so, yea. And, Religion is for sure important for my family as I said for my mom.

AR: Mhm.

RP: She is the most faithful person in my whole family. she fasts and she does go to the temple once a week. And my dad is, like, so against fasting because 8:00he's like why you guys wanna fast for if God gave us food, just eat it,

AR: (laughs)

RP: I mean you don't need to like die of hunger just for the sake of religion.

AR: Sure.

RP: So, he's kind of cool, I love him.

Olivia Campbell: and earlier you were saying that you celebrate Christmas? I don't know if you meant you specifically or just like people in Panama.

RP: People like everybody in Panama celebrates Christmas,

AR: Okay.

RP: I like coming from an Indian background

OC: Mhm.

RP: we do also celebrate Christmas like since small I have, I lived in a family-based community so everybody had like Christmas day and I remember like all the neighbors get together and they bring food and we just eat together that day.

AR&OC: yea

RP: It's pretty amazing--

OC: So--

RP: and afterwards we just do like fireworks and stuff.

OC: So it's more like a secular holiday

RP: Yea

OC: rather than a Christian holiday for you guys

RP: yea

AR: Oh wow.

OC: Okay that makes sense.

AR: That's really interesting. Sure, okay, so how did you culturally and 9:00racially identify growing up? Just because you've mentioned so much that kind of divide between you being Hispanic as well as Indian at home and outside so yea could you elaborate a little bit on that?

RP: This is like a really pretty hard question for me.

AR: Yea.

RP: Culturally like culturally, I identify myself as a Latina.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I was born in Panama and grew up practically there.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I went India when I was 4 months old and I don't remember anything about it.

AR: Sure.

RP: I mean. I just remember like my passport says that I went to India

AR: (laughs)

RP: so yea I went to India and I never went to India back, so.

AR: Mhm.

RP: If I get a chance at getting to go to India, yea I will.

AR: Okay.

RP: Nevertheless, I do identify as an Asian-Indian racially. But this does not mean that the Indian culture has not influenced me. it does have. therefore, my answer for this question is complicated. I mean I identify myself as both Indian and Latina.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I have adapted the best of both worlds, I must say.

AR: Sure.

RP: Such as being loud as a Latina

AR&OC: (laughs)RP: I'm shouting everything

OC: (laughs)

AR: Sure.

RP: and but at the same time being shy as an Indian girl.

AR: Right.

RP: especially when I meet new people.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And stuff, I'm reserved but when I get to know them I'm like

AR: Sure

RP: I don't stop talking.

AR&OC: (laughs)

AR: Fair enough. Okay, so what high school did you go to? I assume while in Panama.

RP: I went to the Lincoln academy in Panama.

AR: Oh okay.

RP: Which was a small bilingual school in the city. The school had approximately 300 to 250 students when I was there.

AR: Mhm.

RP: So it was pretty much small. My school was located in the city and like I said it was bilingual. They taught everything in English.

AR: Hm.

RP: My professors were bilingual too. However, I think professors in the US are way better than in Panama cause they teach better and also they have like a vast knowledge of the subjects they are teaching.

AR: Hm.

RP: Plus, my school was private in Panama, cause like, it's not in schools in the US. Like in the US public schools are good.

AR: Mhm.

RP: In Panama public schools are not that great.

AR: Hm, sure.

RP: I mean they miss a lot of classes because of strikes and stuff.

AR: Oh, wow.

RP: Like, they like, professor goes to strike in order to get more payment, or student gets to strike because they don't like something done by government. So going to government school in Panama is hard

AR: MhmRP: Cause sometimes teachers don't go to school--to classes--and you waste a lot of time. So

AR: Sure

RP: People usually, like if people have a little bit of resources they go to private school and I went to one which was bilingual

AR: Hm. Wow, okay. (coughs) excuse me. So okay so while you were in high school did you, you know, have any important accomplishments you'd like to mention or anything you noticed that was interesting?

RP: Yes, I received several honorary diplomas and medals in high school. I was the valedictorian of my class and

AR: Oh wow.

RP: also the highest gpa of my high school. In addition, I have the valedicto--, 12:00I gave the valedictorian speech during my graduation ceremony.

AR: Hm.

And this moment was the most memorable moment in my life. I saw a huge smile on my f-- the face of my parents and I saw how proud my dad felt about me. I loved the way he bragged about me to everybody.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Like, coming from an Indian background as well as latin American background, I can say that both Indians and Latin American parents never congratulate their children like they never tell us like oh my god son or oh my god daughter you did great in this and this. Like they never do that

AR: HmRP: the way American parents do.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Like, American parents are so encouraging and stuff

AR: hmRP: our parents are like no you can do better

AR: (laughs)

RP:every time even if you do better they're like you can do better.

AR: Sure, sure.

RP: Like I don't know what they want but I can say that that was the first time ever I saw how very proud my parents felt about me. like for the first time

AR: mhm.

I saw my dad bragging everybody like yea my daughter is valedictorian, and this felt amazing.

AR: yea.

RP: I mean I must say this was the best day of my life.

AR: Sure

RP: In addition, of being a valedictorian I have the highest gpa in my high school as I said,

AR: mhm.

RP: I also have medal and certificates in humanities, and I have also received the medalla al merito guillermo andreve which is given by the government

AR: Mhm.

RP: to students with the highest educational merit in Panama.

AR: Hm. Wow, you should be very proud of yourself, that's amazing.

RP: Yes!

AR: Okay so after coll--excuse me--after high school, what was your next step and how did you become part of a program which brought you here to the US?

RP: So the program that brought me here was Quality leadership University study abroad program.

AR: Oh okay.

RP: My older sister was already enrolled with them

AR: Mhm, mhm.

RP: so I knew about it before I entered. Nevertheless, I went to a fair where QLU, like Quality Leadership

AR: Mhm.

RP: University was present and I asked questions and learned more about it. QLU has many universities you can select to study abroad such as University of Louisville, florida international university, they have Illinois state 14:00university, as well as towson university, and other universities outside the US such as Universidad de chile, Universidad politécnica de madrid and alot more.

AR: Mhm.

RP: However, QLU is most recognized as University of Louisville.

AR: Right.

RP: Anywhere in Panama if you say QLU few people would know, like, what's that and

AR: HmRP: where it is located but if you say University of Louisville then many would recognize it.

AR: Hm.

RP: Especially Taxi people

AR: MhmRP: So in Panama if you say to a taxi person, like, take me to Quality Leadership University they will be totally lost

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: They don't even know what's that. If you say like University of Louisville they're like oh yea I know where is that Bella Vista Calle 50 and stuff so it's great.

AR: (laughs) sure sure.

RP: Now the question was deciding for a university within QLU. So I was confused whether to choose U of L or Florida International University. Both offers nursing, what I wanted to study. So, I investigated and I liked U of L better. So go Cards!

OC: (laughs)

AR: Yea, well we're happy you came here! (laughs)

RP: (laughs)

AR: So, tell us a little bit more about QLU and more specifically your 15:00coursework. How does it compare to what you're studying now here?

RP: Okay, QLU is so different from U of L. First of all, QLU is small and the amount of students is, like, small too.

AR: Mhm.

RP: QLU is considered a private university in Panama, cause it's not government as I said.

AR: Sure.

RP: Anything government in Panama, related to education institutions, it's bad. I mean it will never (inaudible).

AR: Sure.

RP: On the other hand, UofL is a public and it's bigger. Like, way more bigger than QLU here. However, there are some similarities too. For example, the professors teach in English,

AR: Mhm.

RP: The subjects are quite similar too. Neverthel-- the course work is quite similar too. Professors teach us the same things or cover the same subjects as they do here.

AR: Hm.

RP: In fact, if you for example, like, a syllabus from U of L will resemble to a syllabus in QLU.

AR: Oh wow.

RP: They teach the same stuff,

AR: Huh.

RP: Just that this university is way bigger and they have more like resources

AR: Sure

RP: and stuff like that

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like they have a library and QLU doesn't have one but

AR: Oh

RP: we have a library but the library is actually the size of this class room.

AR&OC: (laughs)

AR: Right.

RP: Yea.

AR: Okay, so, so then, after you'd already you'd already talked about, you know, done your study abroad preparations, how did you feel about before you were coming here, how did you prepare?

RP: so I guess like any other students, I felt a roller coaster of emotions.

AR: Sure.

RP: I was scared, worried but at the same time excited. I have visited the United States before I came here however, I have never been in Kentucky

AR: (Laughs)

RP: therefore i was scared and worried cause I didn't know anyone here. I was thinking about how would I manage everything here, such as groceries, books, supplies and other things.

AR: Mhm.

R; And I was excited because I had never lived alone before. This was the first time living alone plus with my friends which is pretty much exciting. So 17:00currently my roommates are my friends who I met in QLU in Panama.

AR: oh okay.

RP: So, preparing myself. Before coming here, I investigated how the college looked like. I investigated some slangs y'all use (laughs) in order to follow up

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: like in order to follow up what people are saying.

AR: MhmRP: The English I know is a very technical one.

AR: Mhm.

RP: The one used for reading or writing.

AR: Sure.

RP: The vocabulary itself is technical. While the language used by students here is more a mixture of slangs, technicality and daily used words that reflects the American youth culture.

AR: Hm.

RP: I remember, like, I learned a lot of words like expanded by vocabulary like this type of vocabulary used by you people in movies.

AR: mhm.

RP: Ohh yaa and another thing I searched before coming here was clothing.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: I love to shop and wear appropriate clothing. So I searched what type of clothing people or girls use and stuff like that here. However, one thing I noticed is that in Panama girls dressed up more than they do here. I have noticed girls normally wear a simple shirt, a short or a jogger, and shoes. They 18:00have a really comfortable style and I like that. There is no pressure to dress up well, in the way we do in Panama.

AR: Mhm.

RP: In Panama, like, every day girls come with different styles of clothing and they dressed up every day while here

AR: Oh wow

RP: I just wake up and take out any t shirt and a short

AR: (laughs)

RP: and I'm good to go.

AR: Sure.

RP: And I'm like I don't feel like inside part of the community where people are dressed like me.

AR: (laughs)

RP: and I also prepared myself mentally. However, I knew I was not alone in this path cause I had many other friends like my other two friends with me

AR: Mhm, sure okay. And more specifically did you have any fears when coming to the US?

RP: Well, I did have the fear of getting lost. I mean is a completely different country full with strangers.

AR: Yea sure

RP: And I think I have pretty much overcome that fear.

AR: Ok, And what makes you say that?

RP: Ok so this is a funny, like a really funny story, so we were here and one of my friends Nathan, he was already here like in Louisville

AR: Mhm.

RP: and we asked him like where can we do our grocery shopping? He would say Kroger's, you can go walking from the clubhouse, like the place we live

AR: Mhm.

RP: or you can catch a TARC. So, We were like no, it's too sunny, it was summer. And it's too sunny,

AR: (laughs)

RP: we don't want to walk, we take a TARC. We don't know how to take a TARC.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: We know it's free, but we don't know how to.

AR: Right.

RP: So we google it in the apartment, in the apartment we do have wifi so we google it, oh and this is the TARC you need to take. So we're taking this TARC in order to ensure that we're going to kroger's we asked the lady driving like driving the TARC if this TARC goes to kroger's.

AR: Yea.

RP: And she was like yea it goes to kroger's, and we were like is it nearby, and she's like yea super nearby. So there's 15 minutes we're in the TARC and I'm like, wait she said nearby.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: For us nearby is 10 minutes and it's 15 minutes and still the TARC is going on. So, I stand up from my chair and go and ask her again is kroger's like nearby? and she's like yea yea it's coming. We're 45 minutes in this TARC,

AR&OC: (gasps)

RP: literally we we're sitting 45 minutes in this TARC and then I'm like where's kroger's? and she's like it's coming in 2 minutes. And then she was like yea we've reached. So we go down and we start shopping everything from kroger's like crazies because

AR: (laughs)

RP: me and my roommate were like we don't have anything here so we have to shop food

AR: Sure.

RP: and house supplies and everything so we're shopping. After we like stop shopping we need to go back. So we'll take the TARC back, but it starts raining.

AR: (Laughs)

RP: Like I have never seen it such an amaze--such full strong raining here.

AR: Mhm.

RP: it was raining so much. And then we were like wait, how are we supposed to carry all this in the TARC and then get home back, like clubhouse.

AR: Hm.

RP: And then we were like yea we don't even know where to catch it. Then we were like oh, wait we don't have phone numbers of the US so we don't have wifi that means we don't have data how are we supposed

AR: oh

RP: to search it? So there's a Staples next to Kroger's and I entered and I asked this lady, so wait there's an issue we're lost. And she's like what? And 21:00we were like we were supposed to go to a Kroger's that was nearby to the university and the TARC lady brought us here. This is 1 hour I don't know if what that counts as the nearby here,

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: and she's like no there is a Kroger's like literally 5 minutes from your apartment. So I'm like wait why are we here?

AR: (laughs)

RP: So she called the university police and she told them that we have some international students, they are lost, they don't have data, they don't have a phone number and we don't know how to ask an uber either cause

AR: Sure.

RP: we don't have the internet. So, she, we, she called the university police and the university police was like no, that's not our area that's too far away. So we were like now we are lost. Then she's trying to call taxi 7 and taxi 7 is done picking up. We were all stressed out there.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: Like literally crazy. And with so much stuff with us

RP: cause we buyed

AR: yea

RP: so much stuff.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And then thank god, a lady from the UPS, she was like, she was buying something and she came to the cash register and she heard us like we were lost. 22:00She's like wait I need to deliver this parcel to U of L campus like if you guys wanna sit

AR: OhhRP: you guys can come in. so we actually came back to Clubhouse in a UPS car.

AR&OC: (Laughs)

RP: It was amazing cause this was the first time we were like oh my god this is so funny we were actually going back to our apartment in a UPS car.

AR: (laughs)

RP: So yea that's some stuff

AR: Wow.

R; really happened when you're in the US.

AR: That's awesome. Wow. Okay, so moving on more specifically to just life in the US now, what were some misconceptions you had about the US before you came?

RP: Okay misconceptions I had about the United states before I came here, well, like Americans, like people told me in Panama that Americans only speak one language. Which is English. Even I took in Panama, a class called cultures of America and it was given by a professor from Louisville and he was like what do 23:00you call a person who person that speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call someone who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call a person who speak one language? He was like Americans.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: and we were like What? And he is from Louisville. It was so funny. I loved that class too, I learned so much about the American culture so yea.

AR: MhmRP: So I was like wait, but I want to say that that's not completely true, I mean I've found people like a lot of people who speak Spanish and very good Spanish. And I have made a connection with them, the American friends I have here are because they speak Spanish

AR: Mhm.

RP: and you bond really well with them. Another misconception I have, because of popular culture is that Americans hate the Latin American culture. Which is completely false, I mean I've met so much Americans who love our food our music and our way of being. I mean we have another like we have like all of my roommates we have like two American friends that every time we have parties or something we invite them to come in and they really enjoy the music and stuff. 24:00And then they are like can I bring this friend so they can know more about the culture and we're like yea come in just bring them. So its amazing to share our culture with them.

AR: Yea yea for sure. Okay, so well then what was the easiest and hardest part about your transition to life in the United States?

RP: The easiest part about transition to the US was coming here and the environment of Louisville itself.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Coming from a loud city to Louisville makes you feel relaxed and calm. You don't feel pressured nor stuck. With this I mean, Louisville environment is pretty much safe to explore especially for international students. I remember going to Atlanta in the downtown area and people were practically running which is quite similar to Panama. I like those types of environments cause I can relate to it. However, it has its disadvantage for example if you are new you get caught up, people are rushing everywhere

AR: Mhm.

RP: and you do not know who to ask something if you want too. That's why I like Louisville environment. It's quiet, safe, and you can ask people like 25:00practically anything and they would give you an answer you or at least give an idea of what you wanted to know. The hardest part was making friends. And still is the hardest part

AR: Mhm.

RP: here I mean,

AR: Sure.

RP: In Panama, we make most of our friends at school but making friends here is hard. I mean the classes are too big. Everyday there is someone different sitting next to you. So, you meet a person one day

AR: Mhm.

RP: and then you don't see that person again.

AR: Mhm.

RP: The only way you meet people here is though group works and after the group project is done you don't see them again.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Then, on the other hand, there are people in big sororities and fraternities. They already know people in the class so they hang out with themselves. I don't say it's a bad thing, hanging around with people you already know, I mean if I knew people in class I myself would not hang out with new people cause I already know them already and I already made like a strong connection

AR: Mhm.

RP: and a friendly connection with them

AR: Right.

RP: with these people you already know.

AR: Mhm.

RP: So, making friends is hard. You need to try a little bit harder than the way we had to do in Panama.

AR: Hm.

RP: And Panama's a disadvantage, the classes are small, people speak the same 26:00language as you do, I mean it's really comfortable for me to speak in Spanish than speak in English. So that's a setback

AR: Mhm.

RP: for me.

AR: Sure sure. Okay so then what's been the best and worst thing about living in the US?

RP: Okay So I will start with the worst. (laughs)

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: The worst part about living in the United States is that the climate. The climate can be harsh. I come from a country that is sunny throughout the year. We have rain but it is sunny.

AR: Right.

RP: And on the other hand, Kentucky is a place that has all four seasons.

AR: Mhm.

RP: The coldest we get in Panama City is 22 to 20 Celsius, while here we can get a cold temperature up to negative 15 celsius. Wearing 3 layers up to 4 layers of clothing sometimes is not comfortable at all.

AR: (laughs)

RP: you feel very tight and you feel like staying home and not going anywhere. Especially if you have an early morning 8am class.

AR: True.

RP: Mornings here are pretty cold and foggy and that makes you feel like staying 27:00home. Not only like, going to classes but also going to the groceries, gym, or to eat outside.

AR: Mhm.

RP: You just want to stay at home with the heater on. The best thing about living in the US is the opportunities

AR: Mhm.

RP: I mean you get to know a lot of people here,

AR: MhmRP: Not especially bec--okay I have a setback as I said because I don't speak really good English, I say, however some friends tell me that no your English is good,

AR: Mhm.

RP: but still, so you meet a lot of people and there is way more opportunities and you have guys have better educational quality than we do in Panama so yea.

AR: Hm.

RP: that's a good stuff I like about the US.

AR: Have you been able to get used to the winter at all?

RP: Yes, I think so, I mean today is pretty cold according to the weather in Panama

AR: yea

RP: it's 14 celsius and I'm wearing something thinner so I think I'm getting used to.

AR: that's good that's good. So since you've been here, how's your experience been in terms of exploring the city? Have you visited any interesting places 28:00while you've been here?

RP: Oh, well yes I have visited places here, I must say that the city of Louisville is pretty and calm. I come from a loud city in Panama with lots of tall buildings and Louisville's a different type of city, and I like it. I love the downtown area of the city because it makes me feel like I'm in a Hollywood movie. Like I say this because it looks like I'm a super, like a super person from an upper class. (laughs)

AR: (laughs)

RP: I have visited many places here such as the 4th street

AR: Mhm.

RP: and I loved that place. It reminds me of Panama, however, the infrastructure is different. Like it reminds me of a place in Panama called Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo. Casco Viejo is an antique infrastructure while 4th street has a modern one.

AR: Mhm.

RP: It is similar because of the environment. Like you sit with your friends at a restaurant and enjoy your meal.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We do this usually in Panama like meet up and eat. I also visited the four bridge with my friends. It's amazing, I love it.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I love the wind and the color of like the constant changing color of the bridge.

AR: yea.

RP: We don't have a similar structure in Panama. Therefore it's unique. I like riding bicycles, it's fun there. You have a great time friends, I mean. I also went to this science museum in downtown, which was pretty fun too. Oh yea and I love tailgates

AR: (laughs)

RP: and the football games in Fall.

AR: Sure.

RP: My college in Panama, as I said, is small therefore we don't have a football or any sports team. Therefore, last fall, was the first time I experienced a tailgate and a live football game.

AR: (laughs)

RP: I must say, I can say it was one of the best experiences I have ever had here. You really get to see the American college culture.

AR: Yea.

RP: Like how all the students especially boys are like really into the game. Like in QLU in Panama, we do watch all of the games Louisville football team

AR: Oh wow.

RP: plays. QLU organizes a game watch in Bdubs and if Louisville is playing against FSU then takes big.

AR: Yea.

RP: Cause we have FSU in Panama too.

AR: Right

RP: That's like our rival university in Panama. And people go crazy defending 30:00their teams. They bet and do, they do all kind of stuffs.

AR: Yea.

RP: So FSU and Louisville games in Panama are big.

AR: Yea yea I bet. Do you guys support, or I should say watch soccer a lot? Cause I know that Panama made it into the world cup this year, right?

RP: Yea, we love soccer, I mean, that's not our national sport, cause our national sport is baseball

AR: Oh really?

RP: yea,

AR: Oh wow

RP: but the youth, like the younger generation, they love to watch football. We watch also the European foot ball league like Barcelona, Real Madrid which is two teams that are that really divide like soccer

AR: right

RP: fans in Panama.

AR: right.

RP: yea we love soccer and this is the first time we're going to Russia 2018,

AR: Yea

RP: and I will brag because US is not going!

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: It's not , It's not--I don't love cause US is not going, but you guys I mean, you guys every year you guys go to the

AR: right

RP: world cup and this is the first time we're going and we were like like we 31:00didn't even have the hope of we were going but

AR: right

RP: at the end we were like pretty much shocked when we're going. I remember I was watching the game we were going to the to the world cup and everybody was crying

AR: (laughs)

RP: I mean, it's amazing the way we live football

AR: Right right. Yea yea. Wow.

RP: so we will get to wear our country's t shirt and just see them playing in Russia, amazing.

AR: Yea that's amazing. Yea, for sure.

RP: And we will also be like featuring in the Panini album. I don't you guys know what is panini album.

OC: No

AR: No, no go ahead.

RP: Well a panini album is this album where people like collect all the like stickers from all the teams and players and they paste it in this booklet they sell

AR: Mhm.

RP: they also sell the stickers and you need to like collect each and every sticker and like put all of the whole book.

AR: Mhm.

RP: That's like a tradition in Panama. Every time a ___ comes,

AR: HmRP: everybody buys this book and stickers, we waste a lot of money on that,

A,O&RP: (laughs)

RP: and we practically fill it up. I've never done it but I have a lot of 32:00friends who do it.

AR: Yea.

RP: and then if they get like two or three stickers that are same, they interchange it with something else they want

AR: oh okay

RP: and they full it, it's like a football world cup tradition.

AR: Oh wow, that's really interesting. Okay, so anyway, getting back to life in the US, what would you say is your favorite place to eat here?

RP: Okay, so my favorite place to eat here is olive garden.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: I love Italian cuisine. I love their combination of spices with cheese.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We do not have olive garden in Panama so I really enjoy it here. We do have other Italian restaurants in Panama but olive garden is the best I mean I love it. \

AR: (laughs)

RP: And then for my birthday I went there cause I love it.

AR: Hm.

R; Another place I like to eat is el nopal. They have good food and it kinda has a latin American twist to their food which I kind of enjoy.

AR: Yea yea, for sure. But you mentioned that you have Bdubs in Panama?

RP: Yea!

AR: Yea?

RP: We have Bdubs in Panama.

AR: Wow.

RP: Yea there's some Bdubs here too?

AR: Yea!

OC: Mhm.

AR: Oh, everywhere for sure.

RP: Oh.

AR: That's really interesting, I had no idea. Okay, so speaking about 33:00differences, what's a difference about the American perspective from yours that you've noticed?

RP: There are a lot of differences. One of them is the way of living. Like, Panamanian believe living the moment like living in the present we never think about the future.

AR: MhmRP: We have this famous phrase like vive el presente veremos que pasa mañana like

AR: Mhm.

RP: live in the present we'll see what happens in the future.

AR: Mhm.

RP: While Americans are about planification and organizing everything.

AR: Mhm.

RP: They think about the past, the present and the future.

AR: Hm.

RP: I think that's a great quality!

AR: MhmRP: I mean, you can organize all your resources and stuff and Panamanians don't do that.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I think that's a great quality as I said, and Panamanians express themselves really differently. Americans really enjoy their right of free expression.

AR: Sure.

RP: like they have a really strong opinion about everything and they don't feel shy of expressing

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like I'm in a class and I see people engaging on different controversial topics

AR: MhmRP: like really freely. If that topic was discussed in a class in Panama, 34:00I bet nobody would say anything

AR: (laughs)

RP: cause we don't raise our

AR: Mhm.

RP: stuff.

AR: Sure.

RP: If something, every time we raise our voice it's really big.

AR: Hm.We use slangs and curse words everything.

AR: Hmm.

RP: We are loud when something really matters to us.

AR&OC: (laughs).

AR: Sure.

RP: But we don't say anything unless it's like affects us.

AR: Right right, okay.

RP: Also I like the recycling culture here.

AR: HmRP: I think recycling is a great, like great idea, in Panama I would love recycling more. We, Panama is kind of like striving to like to apply recycling concepts and I love how the University of Louisville has like different garbage or cans

AR: Mhm.

RP: where you can put like recycling stuff. I love that concept.

AR: For sure. Yea. Okay, moving on, so how would you have you been to any cultural events in Louisville?

RP: Currently I've joined ISA, which is the Indian Student Association

AR: Oh okay okay.

RP: in order to experience my culture.

AR: Mhm.

RP: The association celebrates several events related to the Indian culture for example, Diwali, Holi, which they call it Colors here, also DCD which was last week.

AR: Okay

RP: It's a fusion and brangra dance competition where like 8 teams across the country were selected in order to compete here.

AR: Wow.

RP: It was a great event. I love ISA cause it kind of helps me be tied with my Indian backgrounds.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I also get the chance to interact with them which is amazing. There is no Panamanian association or org--, like, association or organization on campus which is pretty sad. Cause I would love to have one and build a stronger relationship with my Panamanian culture.

AR: Absolutely.

RP: Nevertheless, last week I was in this meeting with the international center, like a meeting of all the Panamanians with the staff of international center. And I got to know that there is an RSO of Latinos called LAHSO.

AR: Hm.

RP: I will probably contact them in order to join the association. It's fascinating how there are different groups in the university.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like so much diversity all around the campus. You learn so much everyday.

AR: Yeah, yeah for sure. Okay, so in terms of your studies now at U of L, how did you chose your career, you know, and have you faced any obstacles?

RP: Well, everyone in my family is somehow related to business, but I was never interested in that specific area. I've always wanted to pursue a career in health care, but I did not know what exactly.

AR: Mhm.

RP: However my senior year I volunteered for a old age home in Panama in a small area outside the city called, Howards. A cool fact about Howard is that it use to be a United States Air Force base

AR: huh.

RP: located within the Panama Canal zone,

AR: Ah.

RP: the houses near the were own mainly by Americans.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Well going back to your question, I was volunteering at an old age home called fundación nueva vidaAR: Mhm.

RP: I volunteered there for gaining community work hours, so in Panama in order to graduate high school or college you need to do certain hours of community service hours.

AR: Oh wow.

RP: well and I chose this foundation in order to do it. Even though I went to 37:00the old age home out of obligation or like to complete my services let me say it was one of the best experiences I ever had in my life. at the old age home i saw how important nurses are. nurses were constantly taking care of a group old people that they don't even know, these old people were practically abandoned by their families in a place with relatively low resources. the old age home had good infrastructure, however they lacked of many things such as bed, food and more space. So in this place I saw how these old people considered the nurses as part of their family in fact many of them considered them as their only family. And the idea began to establish in my mind and i immediately began thinking nursing as a career option for me.

AR: Sure, Yeah.

RP: The obstacle I have faced right now are pretty much obstacle that can be solved easily. It might give you stress for an hour or two but they are easy to solve I mean they are not hard to get rid of so I come from QLU, Panama

AR: Right

RP: ..and people who come from this program here or like students that come from 38:00QLU to UofL, are students who mainly study communication, business or engineering. so people did not know anything about nursing or how to get like how to into contact with nursing school they are pretty much lost like I was i did not know how to admit myself to the nursing school and neither they did however at the end of the road, i called, they called, everyone called and everything was sorted out. I have

AR: So, did you ever work part time for any jobs here in terms, in the U.S.?

RP: I haven't applied for any job time, like job here part time but I what i know about this is like, like an international student we can only work on campus, i guess its twenty hours per week

AR: Oh, wow.

RP: as a nursing student i don't know if there is a way I can work on campus on something related to my field in order to gain experience. i would love to work part time something related to nursing like a CNA like a nursing assistant or something

AR: Yeah, Yeah.

RP: I know some nursing students who at work at the Jewish Hospital or the Norton Hospital. And I would like to work on those hospitals too but i think I can. I don't know about UofL Hospital in downtown if I can work there I might work part time.

AR: okay so moving on so in your future plans where do you see yourself in five, ten years?

RP: well so after i finish my BSN, which is my Bachelor of Science of Nursing, I'm thinking of getting a MSN, like Master of Science of nursing

AR: oh okay

RP: or DNP, Doctor of Nursing practice.

AR: oh wow.

RP: I'm still undecided whether to concentrate my like my focus on anesthesiology or surgery like to become a nurse anest--

AR: Mhm.

RP: anesthesiologist or a surgeon.

AR: okay and did you plan on saying in the United States to work or did you plan on moving somewhere else or are you kinda not sure yet?

RP: I'm not sure yet if to work here or not because as i know we can do like a 40:00one year OPT which is like practical training here for a year which is great but i don't know about the year because I'm still thinking of my MSN and DNP here

AR: Okay, sure. So let's switch topics a little bit we are gonna move more into politics and race in the US. So just so you know if you ever feel uncomfortable and you don't wanna answer a question then you know just feel free to let me know, okay? So first question how is the US and specifically President Trump viewed in Panama and have your views on us politics changed since you've been here?

RP: okay Panama has always have been taught the United States somehow especially politically.

AR: for sure.

RP: government officials in Panama take very into account or consideration anything said by any member of the government here. Talking about the President Trump I can say he is viewed lesser to President Obama I see it in that way 41:00maybe i wanna stay in the country. Like in Panama approximately five months after President Trump was took the...

AR: oh.

RP: ...presidential chair I say President Trump is seen as lesser than president

Obama, Obama because I remember ever detail discussed by President Obama was shown on TV. We (INAUDIBLE) in Panama however, in contrast President Trump did not make so much news in my country it was rarely in the news. president Obama is loved i. Panama i remember that In two thousand fifteen i was sitting there in high school and summit of the Americans was held in Panama and president Obama came to my country and i remember like everyone wanted to see him like people wanted a venue where the summit was held just to see him. The, that passion for an American president have been missing in Panama, especially for President Trump.

AR: Oh, wow.

RP: ...currently i am not completely engaged in US politics.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I get to know some stuff through facebook and other social media platforms.

AR: Sure

RP: For me US politics is like President Trump is yea he is the president of US, that's it.

AR: Mhm.

RP: The same as the Indian Prime Minister is narendra modi. Do you see a pattern here?

AR: (laughs)

RP: I see President Trump as a president and not as a transformational or charismatic leader, the way I saw president Obama and first lady Michelle.

AR: Sure

RP: Obama.

AR: Okay, and have you heard anything about DACA?

RP: Yes, somehow, I mean yes I have heard about DACA. I think it's a immigration policy. I mean it reserves the right for people who entered as minor illegally to your country.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I don't think these people should be deported I mean they entered in the country when they were minor.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I bet they-- they didn't even know or they didn't even were asked if they wanted to go to the US.

AR: Right.

RP: Many did not even know what the US was at that time.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I acknowledge that entering to a country illegally is bad very bad but these 43:00people are not to be blamed they entered the country forcefully. They practically lived more than half of they life in US.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And if they are deported back to their country they have to start from zero, from scratch

AR: Mhm.

RP: and doing so is hard.

AR: Yeah

RP: Some of these people came to the country when they were babies and they don't even know the language of their country. Like if they were deported back for example to Mexico or to Honduras

AR: Mhm.

RP: or somewhere else they don't even know the languages like Spanish they only know English

AR: Right.

RP: and that would be really hard for them. Therefore, DACA is a great policy created in order to ensure the right of these people. I don't know a lot about this but, I heard that president Trump wants to eliminate or like

AR: Mhm.

RP: phase out the policy, and I think that's bad.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I mean my country currently faces a lot of immigration problems cause

AR: Oh really?

RP: we have a lot of people from Venezuela coming illegally to our country of course that creates a problem

AR: Mhm.

RP: but our our problem is different I mean people are coming from Venezuela illegally like right now

AR: Mhm.

RP: that's why we are deporting people

AR: Oh

RP: but US has a lot of chances I mean it's a big country and it has a lot of 44:00metropolitan areas so they can work I mean in Panama most of the people like we have a population of 3.9 million people and all these people are living like in the city

AR: Mhm.

RP: like one point more than half of the population is in the city and that of course of creates a problem but I think US has a really spaced out density

AR: Mhm.

RP: of population and I don't think so that's a problem

AR: Mhm.

RP: and already they know English and they already I mean I don't think they are criminals or something in order to be deported I think they are good people

AR: Right

RP: they are working hard in order to ensure like a better quality of life for themselves.

AR: Mhm. Well thanks for that. So have you yourself faced any discrimination or racism in the US?

RP: So, I must say that people have a really narrow mind when they hear people speaking in Spanish.

AR: Hm.

RP: First and foremost they think we are Mexicans and secondly they think we are illegally in the country.

AR: Hm.

RP: This happened to me when I was with my friends at a restaurant. We were 45:00there speaking Spanish and one of the ladies in the group come in, was like "look illegal Mexicans." I was literally pretty shocked.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Both of these stereotypes are not true.

AR: Wow.

RP: I mean more than half of the countries in the continent, like the whole continent of America, speak Spanish so not only Mexican plus not everyone speaking Spanish is illegal.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We have student Visa. We did not say anything cause we did not want to make an issue out of it.

AR: Right. Well I'm sorry that happened to you. Did you ever experience any racism in Panama?

RP: No in Panama I didn't experience any racism just some people like outside the country they are all like yeah Panama is a third world country and stuff

AR: Hm.

RP: but when they see the city they are all like pretty much shocked.

AR: Right.

RP: We have more skyscrapers than most of the cities

AR: (laughs)

RP: in the US so

AR: Right ok. So, what do you personally think can be done about racism and prejudice?

RP: I mean racism and prejudice can't be solved easily.

AR: Mhm.

RP: It is something that grows since we are infants, toddlers

RP: Right.

RP: especially because the environment one grows in.

AR: Mhm.

RP: in my opinion, it can be solved, if we teach people since infancy tolerance.

AR: Mhm.

RP: People need to learn the values of tolerance. People need to acknowledge the existence of opinions, behavior, and actions that one does not necessarily agree with.

AR: Right.

RP: But they do exist and we need to learn to accept it. To live and continue moving on with it. If everyone together supports the cause of anti-racism then racism won't exist because most people would have accepted that fact that there are some people who are different than us and they are great I mean there is nothing bad about being different than

AR: Mhm.

RP: somebody else

AR: Sure. Ok. Did you see any evidence of Anti-blackness or anti-indigenous prejudice in your community?

RP: I myself haven't seen any evidence of anti-blackness in my community. In fact, I live at the clubhouse apartments, an apartment affiliated with U of L and I have seen people from all racial backgrounds. I have seen a lot of people of color living in my building and I think it's great, you build tolerance and 47:00learn different things every day. Most of the people who live in my apartment are affiliated with the university's athletic team.

AR: Mhm.

RP: sometime I have a casual conversation with them. Especially on the elevator and It's nice.

AR: Mhm.

RP: On the other hand, I haven't seen any indigenous people not in the university not in the community not anywhere I have

AR: Mhm.

RP: gone. And I don't know why its like that. Maybe I don't know how to like I don't know how to recognize indigenous people from the Americas

AR: Right.

RP: so maybe that could be one reason. But I would love to meet indigenous people from the America. That would be great opportunity to learn about them and their culture and share with my country when I go back.

AR: Sure, sure. So what would you say, from your perspective at least, is the most co-- most commonly held misconception about people of Panama in your culture?

RP: The most commonly held misconception about people of my country is that we are lazy and we like everything to be given to us readymade. That's absolutely 48:00not true. Panama is composed by a lot of hardworking people and yeah I acknowledge we have some people who are lazy but so do a lot of countries.

AR: Sure.

RP: I think the US has lazy people too

AR: Mhm, yeah.

RP: Panamanians are hardworking and loving.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I think this misconception exists because of the history of the Panama Canal. I mean the canal was constructed by the Americans as everybody knows.

AR: Mhm.

RP: But its control was given to us in the year 2000. Since then, the people have this stereotype that we want everything given to us, like gifted. Which is not true

AR: mmm

RP: I respect the idea that the Americans did construct the canal in Panama, but it wasn't like gifted to us.

AR: Right.

RP: It was built on our land and at the end of the day, like the canal was ours because it was constructed in our area.

AR: Yeah.

RP: And you already like Americans already run for hundred years and that was like that was treaty signed and that's it. But it's not we are lazy.

AR: Right, right.

RP: And it would be lazy we will never construct an expanded version of the Panama Canal. 

AR: MhmRP: Yeah we got the money from the first one but still. 

AR: (Laughs) Nonetheless 

RP: It's not true because the Panamanian rural areas would like wake up at 4 am in the morning go to the farmland and do farming and come home at 7 pm in the night. That's more than 12 hours of work.

AR: MhmRP: These people weren't lazy. Or a Panamanian in the city, working for a company would wake up at 5 am in the morning go to work come home at 6pm in the night. We are not lazy; we do work hard for things. I know that Americans are more of the doing mode like 

AR: MhmRP: Americans believe working hard to gain something. Panamanians are similar too just that we add a little being mode to it.

AR: Mmm.

RP: Like work hard but sometimes take a break and now and then and enjoy life. We enjoy our carnivals, we enjoy our holidays

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like going to the beach and stuff, you know, to party

AR: Right.

RP: Yeah. Like Panama in Latin America is like, is like Panamanians in Latin America are like fiesteros, like party people.

AR: Yeah.

RP: We love to party yeah that true.

AR: Sure. 

RP: But that doesn't mean we are lazy.

AR: Right, yeah. That is really interesting. So, is there anything about Panama that you want us to know? 

RP: First of all, Panama is a great country with amazing people. Awesome sites to visit. Panama is great. And yeah, I want people to know that there is a country in central America called Panama and it's not Panama City, Florida.

AR: (laughs)

RP: And I want them to know that Panama is a lot more than the Panama Canal and the Panama papers. Panama is a developing country, we are not full of jungles, snakes, etc. Panama City is a beautiful city, with a very pretty skyline view. Yeah we have more skyscrapers than San Francisco, California so that's an important fact.

AR: Wow!

RP: And many people consider Panama to be a third world county and I want them to know that we are not. We are of the fastest growing economies of the region and that among the top and the best country to retire. If you ever get a chance 51:00to visit Panama just do it. I guarantee you that you we have a great time and not only that, I mean we have this; like I once remember I came here and one of the first questions an American asked me was that "oh you're from Panama? that's great, do they have traffic lights" and we were like--

AR: (laughs) 

RP: Like all my friends were like "answer that Rimpal" and I was like first of all, we do have traffic lights, a lot of them. And if we do not have traffic lights imagine what would happen with our traffic because we live in traffic.

AR: Yeah.

RP: So yeah, that's one of the misconceptions like Americans how come we don't have traffic lights? Oh, another question I was asked which was weird; if we do have pizzas which is like a national food. I think of the world national food I guess its Italian but more national food.

AR: Mmm right okay well were gonna move on a little bit and just ask some questions about Panama in general now. could you describe a little bit about 52:00what you and your friend in Panama did for fun?

RP: Good Panamanians, like everybody, in Panama, like has cool people or college people 

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like for us Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays are like pretty much amazing. I mean school is over like we really enjoy our weekends we don't do homework or I must say that.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We like we just like in Panama like the youth culture is like going to watch movies like every weekend.

AR: Mhm.

RP: So, we really watch Hollywood movies. Like we pay a lot of money to Hollywood, like literally.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Because we are like a group of 20 like the whole classroom goes and that way we won't, we watch movies and they some oh for example me every time I finished like the finals I go for shopping.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Like literally stress myself out and that's something I can do here because the malls really far so all I do I mostly go online shopping which is kind of 53:00fun however sometimes I get confused I mean I don't know if the t shirt will fit me or not.

AR: Right.

RP: But that's like the cons of buying stuff online but it's amazing. Another stuff about Panamanian culture about the youth is like we go bowling.

AR: Mhm. 

RP: Like or we go to the Game Balls, a place called Game Balls its similar to chuck e cheese just the teenage version.

AR: Right.

RP: Even though we are college students and not teenagers anymore we do like we go and play like we are small kids so we have this hockey stuff and that.

AR: MhmRP: Oh, and we also go to concerts in Panama.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like we constantly have Latin American singers such as J Balvin, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, people-- and Bad Bunny, people from like different singers from around Latin America.

AR: Okay.

RP: That like really famous in our age,

AR: Mhm.

RP: We just go in and enjoy their concert which is pretty fun. 

AR: Mhm, okay this is just a quick question; Is--are American artists also popular in Panama as well?

RP: Oh yes, we are. They are for sure. I mean I remember there was a Justin Bieber concert

AR: Oh wow.

RP: And its fame. I mean, he is big time in Panama.

AR: Oh wow.

RP: Justin Bieber came.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Tickets were sold out. Girls shouting. Like

AR: Yea.

RP: It's the same as, I think it's similar to the US. I mean

AR: Mhm, yea, for sure.

RP: I don't know if that happens in the U.S.

AR: Yes. Yeah it does.

RP: I mean Justin Bieber was coming and there were girls like sleeping outside the store

AR: (laughs)

RP: just to get the first tickets.

AR: Right.

RP: He's big. I mean I love him too. I didn't went to his concert

AR: (laughs)

RP: because tickets are expensive.

AR: Right.

RP: But he's, he's big time. And not only him. We had different singers too such as Jonas Brothers when I was young, Lady Gaga,

AR: (laughs)

RP: Katy Perry. We have different people come from the US

AR: Mhm.

RP: just to sing here. We always expected One Direction, which is a UK group,

AR: (laughs)

RP: to come but they never did.

AR: Hm.

RP: They would be big time if they would've come to Panama. They would get a lot of money.

AR: Right. Yeah. Okay

RP: Like, Justin Bieber's concerts are so big they are not held like normally 55:00the way we held concerts.

AR: (laughs)

RP: So, we held concerts in always Figali Convention Center

AR: MhmRP: which is in Causeway, but when Justin Bieber comes we have to do it in a stadium. Because people really want tickets

AR: Right.

RP: and stuff.

AR: Right, right.

OC: Yeah. And just to kind of follow up about you talking about what you did for fun. How did the things that you guys did in Panama compare to like what you would do here in the United States for fun?

RP: Okay so it's really hard to do stuff, like the same stuff we would do in Panama to do it here. Because, I mean, we don't have a car. None of our friends have one. So sometimes we ask other friends to take us.

AR: (laughs)

RP: Or simple, like what we do like on Fridays or Saturdays, not on Sundays, because Sundays we need to study or do homework for the whole week.

AR: Mhm.

RP: So, what we do is just gather up in a place, eat together, or something. We, like now and then, just to watch great movies, like movies that are great, we just go to the movies and watch them. Like

AR: Hm.

RP: "Black Panther". Movies that are famous.

AR: Mhm.

RP: We do go to the movies, because Uber costs a lot, so yeah.

AR: (laughs)

RP: And what else we do is- oh, it's really neat- if everybody needs to shop we do an Uber and we share it and we split money.

AR: Mm.

RP: So that's a good way not to take all of the expenses on

AR: Right.

RP: transportation.

AR: Yea.

RP: And the place where we live, The Clubhouse, they have like a mini game room.

OC: Mhm.

RP: So they have pool there. I don't know how to play but I make myself go "Oh yeah I know how to play pool!". And then I'm losing all the games but yeah, we play pool. Like today one of my friends, they all- everybody's gathered up right now playing pool. Because it's Thursday and every Thursday

AR: Mhm.

RP: we do that.

AR: Okay. Just a quick question. So just to elaborate on what you were talking about earlier. How does shopping in Panama, because I know you said you love to 57:00compare it to shopping here in the US, because I know you had to get transportation here. I'm just curious on, you know, what items you get, if it's more expensive, if you notice any differences, if it's more fun one place or the other?

RP: Okay so the stuff about shopping is that in Panama I already know where, like which shops I can get my stuff. So I know this, and this and this are the shops I need to go because I need to, I mean, I know I will get good stuff there. And while in U.S. because I'm virtually here, so I need to explore stores.

AR: Mhm.

RP: Like, I go to different stores like H&M and different places and just see and explore everything and that's it. But I also noticed that brands of stuff in Panama are way more expensive

AR: Hm.

RP: than brands of stuff in the U.S. So I try to buy brand stuff here. For example, my sister, she's a shopping addict like me,

AR: (laughs)

RP: I guess. And she's constantly like "I want a Coach purse" or "I want this-- an MK purse" or something.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And I try to send it to her in Panama, like one way or the other

AR: Right.

RP: when a student is going back or when I'm going to Panama back

AR: Mhm.

RP: or something. I haven't gone Panama back since I've came here in August. So yeah.

AR: Okay. Alright. Well that's all the questions we really have for you today, so we just wanted at the end here just get a list of your basic information for the viewers to know. So, if you just could know tell us a little bit about your name, age, what you're doing here and how long you'll be here.

RP: Okay. My name is Rimpal Patel, I grew up in Panama City Panama. I'm 19, well I'm 20 now because I just had my birthday.

AR&OC: (laughs)

RP: But I'm 20. I'm old now. A year older.

AR: (laughs) Right.

RP: I'm studying nursing. I'm currently in lower division for nursing. I will be applying for upper division on May 1st so I'll hopefully get in and continue studying nursing, otherwise I will have to change my career

AR: Mhm.

RP: to something else if I don't get in. What else can I say about myself? Well 59:00I love Louisville.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I have things that is part of the culture. Like I'm part of the culture right now.

AR: Yeah!

RP: And there is stuff I would love to say is that I miss my family.

AR: Mhm.

RP: I really would love to go back,

AR: Yea

RP: and I am currently in Louisville for around 2 years and a half.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And if I do my Masters that will be 3 years or more.

AR: Mhm.

RP: And yes, I plan to go back after I finish my studies in order to engage in actual work in Panama.

AR: Yeah. For sure. Okay. well we just want to say thanks so much for giving us this information, this outlook on your life and Panama. It's actually been really interesting and thanks so much again.

OC: Yeah. Thank you so much.

RP: You're welcome.

AR: Okay well I hope you have a good day.

RP: Same to you.