Name: Rita Chang Diaz
Employer: I’m a freelance writer so myself, I guess.
What do you like about your job? I set my own schedule for the most part.
Where do you live? New York, New York baby!
How long have you lived there? I moved here from Costa Rica in 1992, so 18 years now. It’s crazy how time just flies like that.
What do you like about the place?It’s never quiet. Not ever...the street sounds like music: it’s a harsher, more industrialized beat than the jungle, but listening to it reminds me of times I spent climbing through the trees back home with my Dad. It’s never quiet there either. Nope, not ever.
If you could change one thing about the town you live in what would it be?I miss my family, I wish they lived here with me...Lord knows I could never move back there, not now....the education they sent me here for has been very different from what we expected. I’m afraid I wouldn’t fit in anymore...
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?Right here. I love it, even if it’s a bit cold. America is my home now.
What is your one regret in life?Who has only one regret? I have so many, so many indeed but I am looking more to the future now instead of dwelling on what can’t be changed. I am living for today and right now, that is enough.
Your life’s best achievement? I worked hard for my degree, I’m very proud of that accomplishment. I did it while working a full-time job and finished school without debt thanks to hard work and determination, as well as my father’s contribution. He saved for as long as I can remember to be able to send me here. I think the people living outside this country have a very different idea of American life than what it’s really like. Still, I’m happy here.
What are your strengths? I am very organized. I am fun-loving and have an enjoyable personality.
Any weaknesses?Of course! I would never just give you my kryptonite though.
Three words that best describe you? Vivacious, outgoing and friendly.
What makes you happy?Reggae, happy people...a well made martini. Little pleasures.
If you could travel back in time and meet yourself as a 10 year old kid, what advice would you give yourself?I would tell me to enjoy my family every moment. To enjoy every moment, because they pass by so suddenly: the moments we cherish, they pass into memory and soon are gone.
Words to live by? ‘When you like something, you should do it all night long.’ That’s a quote from Chavela Vargas...a Tican musician.
