Rosa Chang | 90

Rosa Chang is from Peru and from Chinese descent. She is a cherished member of the On Lok 30th Street Senior Center community.

We are lucky that Rosa Chang wanted to lend her voice to this project, but chose to have only the written version shared. She spoke in Spanish, her preferred language. We have the translation of the interview below and it was edited for brevity and clarity.

This interview is written only.

Interview date: 12/14/20

Interviewed by: Melissa Bravo

Referred by: Melissa Bravo, On Lok 30th Street Senior Center

Translation of interview

by Linguaficient

Melissa Bravo: My name is Melissa Bravo. I’m the activities manager at the senior center. Thanks for talking to me.

Rosa Chang: Thank you

Melissa Bravo: Let's start with you. Can you tell me your full name and age?

Rosa Chang: Rosa Chang Chan. 90 years old.

Melissa Bravo: Very well, how would you describe yourself or how would other people describe you?

Rosa Chang: How I describe myself...it is a bit hard.

Melissa Bravo: It is, right?

Rosa Chang: Yes

Melissa Bravo: Or tell me, what would your family and friends say about you? In my case they say I am a little shy but kind. In your case what would they say?

Rosa Chang: Well, I am a bit shy too, I don't really like talking in public and... what else? ...I think that is it.

Melissa Bravo: Well, I can say you are truly kind and loving.

Rosa Chang: Thank you, thank you!

Melissa Bravo: Okay, you live in San Francisco.

Rosa Chang: Yes, I do.

Melissa Bravo: When did you come to San Francisco and why?

Rosa Chang: I came to San Francisco in 1980...no, that was a visit. I came to stay in 1984.

Melissa Bravo: 84?

Rosa Chang: One of my kids asked for me so I came.

Melissa Bravo: Where are you from?

Rosa Chang: From Peru.

Melissa Bravo: Peru? That is so beautiful.

Rosa Chang: Yes, I am from Lima, Peru, but I’m of Chinese descent. All my family is, Chinese.

Melissa Bravo: Wow! That is great, I did not know that about you. Now tell me, what do you like about living in San Francisco?

Rosa Chang: The people. People on the streets, people in general. You can talk to anyone, and there's no... sometimes in some places people discriminate but I do not feel that here, I am fine here.

Melissa Bravo: Good. What could we do to make San Francisco a better place to live?

Rosa Chang: Things should not be as expensive as they are (laughs). Lowering rent costs, the cost of living in general. Everyone loves this place and wants to move here. People who come on vacation say “This is beautiful I would stay here” and they do because of the sights, the views, how friendly people on the streets are, but the cost of living is too high. We are used to it now and we try to accommodate it, but it is very expensive.

Melissa Bravo: Yes, you are so right about that. Now let's talk a bit about COVID-19. When we were not sheltering in place, where were your favorite places in the city? Did you go to the park? Or was there a place you used to visit a lot?

Rosa Chang: Well, actually, since I am retired, I spend 3 days a week at On Lok, on the second floor of the center on 30th. That's where I supposedly volunteer. But I really am there basically to spend time, be with people, and help out when it's needed. That is where I pass the time. The other days I sometimes go there too to have fun.

Melissa Bravo: To participate in other activities...

Rosa Chang: Yes, to do other activities.

Melissa Bravo: What was your favorite activity?

Rosa Chang: Being with people...no ...what was it?... helping...knitting.

Melissa Bravo: Knitting! Okay. Now let's look at the second question. Is there anything you have experienced in your life that was like the COVID-19 pandemic? And how did you face it?

Rosa Chang: No.

Melissa Bravo: You never went through anything similar?

Rosa Chang: Something like this had never happened. I have gone through difficult times, but not like these. I have seen diseases and other stuff but nothing like this. This is something that is entirely different, and it is awful.

Melissa Bravo: Yes, yes. How have your typical days changed from what they were before COVID to now? I know you told me you used to spend some time at On Lok but on your day-to-day things have changed, right? Because now you cannot go to the center, right?

Rosa Chang: I can't because it's closed. Well, I also help out at the church. But churches closed too so it's like I’m ...how can you say this? It is like I am shut in at home. And my children also tell me: “Don't go out, don't go anywhere. You are high risk. Do not move.” (laughs). So here I am.

Melissa Bravo: And they are right. So, I believe they don't visit you a lot because of the same, right?

Rosa Chang: That's right. The one that visits me is the one that lives nearby. He brings me food and everything.

Melissa Bravo: Okay. Next question. Let's see...is there anything that surprised you of your community’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Rosa Chang: Many friends are reacting with fear. And they are right. All my life I had not seen something like this, and many others had not either. Also, the people whose families got sick in this pandemic are scared. But, at least within the community we keep communicating with each other and we have been trying to shelter in place as said. Just as the priest said: “Stay home.” We can't go to church anymore. It cannot be helped. We must pray at home. And it will pass. I hope it will pass by fast.

Melissa Bravo: Yes, we are almost 9 or 10 months into this...

Rosa Chang: Since March!

Melissa Bravo: At the beginning it was super slow, but I think it's going faster now because we now have our routines. Anyways, it is still frustrating not being able to see your loved ones or spend time with others. It’s hard.

Rosa Chang: Yes, you do not have the freedom to go out to the shop around the corner or talk to your neighbors. So, you basically are locked down and alone.

Melissa Bravo: That's right. Now, if you could give any advice to young people or if you could give advice to your young self, what would that advice be?

Rosa Chang: For youngsters, I would say to always have a goal in sight so they can reach it, no matter what it takes. All goals are difficult to reach but if you work the hardest you can and put all your interest in it, with God's help, you can make it. And I would tell them to have a strong faith, faith in the Lord and in their religion. In our case we are Catholics, so our faith is in Jesus and Mary and that's what brings us to the Lord. If that is what the Lord wants from us, we will get it. It does not matter how hard things are.

Melissa Bravo: Right, now, what has been the most surprising thing in your life? So, something you never thought would happen in your life or any aspect that has surprised you.

Rosa Chang: What has surprised me the most in life...well what has surprised me the most is coming to San Francisco and not feeling like a stranger. In Peru, in Latin America we were always united, we have our neighbors, our friends and coming here, especially in this community where I am, I found very friendly Latino people. And it was surprising, first of all, because I am Chinese, my husband is also Chinese, and it was odd that people here were kind and said hi. That surprised me at the beginning.

Melissa Bravo: It is something nice about San Francisco, right? There is a lot of diversity and many people that come from different places. So, do you speak Chinese, too?

Rosa Chang: I do.

Melissa Bravo: Wow that is great! I am curious now, how did your family get to Peru?

Rosa Chang: Oh, that was like... My dad says he went to Peru at the beginning of the 1920s or 30s or something like that. They were forced by famine because back then China had a civil war, and they were in the independence war and many people had to leave and my parents did. And I would ask him: “Wow, how were you able to come to Peru? Spending 3 months on a ship!”

Melissa Bravo: Wow! Three months on a ship!

Rosa Chang: And what he said was that when you are desperate, and you are without...you will make it anywhere. That is why I think of all the refugees or the people who come walking in the caravans, like the last one who came from Honduras and Mexico. I keep thinking, are these people in the same condition as when my dad went to Peru? They were in such adverse conditions that they had to leave.

Melissa Bravo: Yes, they do it to survive. That is unfathomable, I cannot believe it. Three months.

Rosa Chang: On a boat...well it is like the people who come walking from Guatemala and Honduras, don't they walk for one or two months?

Melissa Bravo: It is amazing.

Rosa Chang: You're right. We did not even notice because we came by plane.

Melissa Bravo: Yes! We were comfortable! We had water and a bit of space. And that is what our privilege is, being here and being comfortable thanks to our moms and dads who came here and worked hard for us to be here.

Rosa Chang: That's right.

Melissa Bravo: Now, what are the main values that you live by?

Rosa Chang: The values that my parents taught me. Respecting those who are older, listening to the older people. What they say is never outdated. Leading our family through a good path and teaching them good manners and principles.