Interviewer

Eloisa Arenas

Project

Stories from the Chamizal Library

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Summary of Interview

Sylvia Torresdey (Sylvia Chavira), born in 1955 at El Paso’s Hospital Dieu, grew up as one of six sisters in a family that maintained a vibrant transnational life. While her parents, Juanita Payán and Don Nasiano Chavira, established a residence in El Segundo Barrio to ensure their daughters could attend school in El Paso, the family maintained a home in Juárez’s Colonia del Carmen. Torresdey describes a childhood of constant movement across the border, crossing the bridge daily or weekly to bathe, collect clothes, and share weekend meals with her parents in Juárez. This bilingual upbringing involved speaking Spanish at home and English at school, though she took it upon herself to learn to read Spanish using Mexican comic books like Memín Pinguín and Super Sabios.

Torresdey’s educational journey spanned several iconic local institutions, including the Jesús y María convent, Aoy Elementary, and Bowie High School, from which she graduated in 1975. She recalls the cultural shifts of the era, from the solemnity of the JFK assassination and the polio vaccine "sugar cubes" to the "Chicana Power" movement and student strikes regarding hair length and fashion. At Bowie, she was an active student-athlete who enjoyed volleyball, basketball, and track, and she fondly remembers the "Cross No Hop" school dances and the supportive, respectful relationships between students and teachers. For Torresdey, the school was a place of deep social connection where she formed friendships that have endured for over fifty years.

Following graduation, Torresdey studied at the International Business College and returned to her birthplace, Hospital Dieu, where she worked for 15 years—first as a nursing assistant and later as a secretary. Seeking a schedule that allowed her to care for her son, she eventually transitioned to a thirty-year career in school district transportation, specifically assisting students with special needs on school buses. Having retired in early 2026, she reflects on her life with satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and hard work. She remains a proud advocate for her alma mater, encouraging current students to cherish their time in school and embrace the motto, "Once a Bear, Always a Bear!"

Date of Interview

2-27-2026

Length of Interview

57:19

Transcript Number

1823

Length of Transcript

13 pages

Transcriber

Eloisa Arenas

Interview Number

1823

Terms of Use

Unrestricted

Comments

This interview is related to the interviews with Interview 1822. Graciela Orquiz and Interview 1820. Alma Najera, as they are sisters.

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