Interviewer
Luna Palacios
Project
El Paso Folklore (English 3374)
Summary of Interview
Virginia Prebot, a veteran now studying at the University of Texas at El Paso, illustrates how language shapes daily life and preserves memory across generations. Born in Riverside, California, to two Mexican immigrant parents, she grew up in a world where Spanish was the grounding force of her home, her school, and her community.
Welcoming us into the quiet of her home, with her dogs resting nearby, Virginia invited us into her story. She spoke of childhood moments on the playground and her time in English as a Second Language (ESL), recalling how Spanish remained constant through every stage of her life. She also reflected on how language shaped her identity as a Mexican woman entering the U.S. military, an environment where English was dominant and where her background often set her apart. Spanish became a way for her to hold onto where she came from, even in spaces that expected her to adapt and assimilate. It helped her maintain connection to her culture, navigate challenges, and find familiarity in an institution that was not always welcoming. Her story shows how Spanish becomes a tool of continuity and resilience, carrying cultural history forward through the everyday experiences of those who live it.
Date of Interview
11-21-2025
Length of Interview
32:22
Listen to the Interview
Tape Number
No. 1814
Transcript Number
No. 1814
Interview Number
1814
Terms of Use
Closed until 12/03/25
Recommended Citation
Interview with Virginia Prebot by Luna Palacios, 2025, "Interview No. 1814," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.
Comments
Student Created