Sylvia and her mother and brother lived in a small apartment in a San Diego Neighborhood. This was a stark contrast to her previous home- a large house. 

Sylvia also described San Diego, at the time, as a bit segregated and noted that "certain neighborhoods were definitely Spanish," for example, Chula Vista. 

Sylvia lived in a predominantly white, "wonderbread" neighborhood.

In America, there is a much stronger focus on each person as an individual, rather than the collective community. This difference can be difficult to navigate. 

In Peru, there is less focus on the individual and more on the community. 

Sylvia used the following anecdote to describe the difference between American culture and South American culture. In Peru, people would come to your house without announcement and were always welcome. Meanwhile in America, showing up uninvited and unexpectedly is not common or celebrated.

Sometimes the individualistic focus of America can create a lonely environment. Over the years Sylvia has tried to prevent this by spending time with her family.