The is an interview with Carmen Villamán, Sussy Santana's 80-year-old aunt. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and now lives in Providence, Rhode Island. The interview covers various aspects of Carmen's life, including her childhood in the Dominican Republic, her family history, her passion for flowers and interior design, her faith and religious beliefs, and her experiences as a grandmother.
I was born in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic, on October 25 at 6:05 in the morning. My mother always reminded me, “You were born at 6:05 in the morning.” She knew the exact time each of her nine children was born—two of whom have since passed. We came from a hardworking family.
I have one daughter. I married and had only one child, and through her father, she was able to immigrate to the United States—later bringing me as well. This was the greatest gift I have ever received, along with three other priceless blessings: my three granddaughters. They are well-raised, dedicated to their studies, and each has her own aspirations in life. Being close to my daughter fills me with happiness.
Coming to Rhode Island was an opportunity I am deeply grateful for. There is so much value here. Many Latinos live in this state, but we also have the chance to share with other cultures. Rhode Island is a blessing, a place of abundance. Thank God.
Many people today have lost sight of the faith instilled in them by their grandparents, great-grandparents, and parents. Faith is life’s greatest treasure. It gives us the strength to face challenges, trusting in the Creator who made this beautiful world. When we hold onto faith, we truly see its rewards.
The younger generation in our family—our daughters, nieces, and nephews—are brilliant. Each is determined to improve themselves and do their best. The girls are focused on their goals, and we are so proud of them. Moving from Santo Domingo to Rhode Island was truly worthwhile. It gave them the chance to study, grow, and build a future.
For this, I thank God and the remarkable teachers who guided my granddaughters. These educators understand that we Latinos carry something great within us—a spirit of perseverance, always striving to be better and more useful wherever we are.
When I think back to my childhood, I remember the era of Trujillo’s tyranny. People were waking up to the reality of oppression. We lived through that period of uncertainty. Everyone's upbringing is shaped by where they come from, but we all made the best of what we had. Our family—both men and women—was raised with faith and strong values. In our children and grandchildren, we see the rewards of teaching respect and discipline. We have overcome many challenges.
I have one daughter. I married and had only one child, and through her father, she was able to immigrate to the United States—later bringing me as well. This was the greatest gift I have ever received, along with three other priceless blessings: my three granddaughters. They are well-raised, dedicated to their studies, and each has her own aspirations in life. Being close to my daughter fills me with happiness.
Coming to Rhode Island was an opportunity I am deeply grateful for. There is so much value here. Many Latinos live in this state, but we also have the chance to share with other cultures. Rhode Island is a blessing, a place of abundance. Thank God.
Many people today have lost sight of the faith instilled in them by their grandparents, great-grandparents, and parents. Faith is life’s greatest treasure. It gives us the strength to face challenges, trusting in the Creator who made this beautiful world. When we hold onto faith, we truly see its rewards.
The younger generation in our family—our daughters, nieces, and nephews—are brilliant. Each is determined to improve themselves and do their best. The girls are focused on their goals, and we are so proud of them. Moving from Santo Domingo to Rhode Island was truly worthwhile. It gave them the chance to study, grow, and build a future.
For this, I thank God and the remarkable teachers who guided my granddaughters. These educators understand that we Latinos carry something great within us—a spirit of perseverance, always striving to be better and more useful wherever we are.
When I think back to my childhood, I remember the era of Trujillo’s tyranny. People were waking up to the reality of oppression. We lived through that period of uncertainty. Everyone's upbringing is shaped by where they come from, but we all made the best of what we had. Our family—both men and women—was raised with faith and strong values. In our children and grandchildren, we see the rewards of teaching respect and discipline. We have overcome many challenges.
When I think of my mother two things come to mind: flowers and sewing.
Every Saturday, after cleaning the house, she would place a fresh bouquet on the living room table—arranged with her own hands. She had an artistic spirit. Though she never took a single sewing course, she taught herself and made all our clothes. Her designs were unique, and she had the soul of a poet.
When fabric was scarce, she would repurpose her own skirts to sew dresses for us. People always assumed they were made from special materials, but it was simply her talent as a seamstress. Though she only reached the sixth grade, her life experience was profound. Above all, she instilled in us a deep faith. To my mother, God could solve anything.
She passed away young, at just 33 years old, giving birth to her ninth child. We were left orphaned, facing a new reality. At that time, there were no psychologists to help us cope with such loss. It was a great trauma, and we had to be raised in different homes. But we persevered, growing into hardworking people—some with an artistic touch. One of my siblings writes beautifully, another is skilled in handcrafts. Each of us has something that sets us apart, and that brings me joy.
I have always loved flowers. I worked with them for many years alongside a talented decorator in Santo Domingo. Flowers carry an indescribable magic. If you take the time to truly see them, they each hold a message—it’s like therapy. I love decorating, just as I love cooking. As children, we each had household responsibilities: one would wash, another would iron, another would cook. I always gravitated toward the kitchen and ironing.
As I got older, I worked in my uncle’s flower shop, deepening my passion for floral design. After my daughter was born, I worked with a young decorator in Santo Domingo—a creative visionary. Everything he touched became beautiful. From him, I learned how to harmonize different flowers, transforming simple bouquets into works of art. Flowers have a language, one that many may not know, but it is powerful and profound. My favorites are hydrangeas, roses, and lilies—each carrying a special meaning. Learning about flowers has been a privilege.
When fabric was scarce, she would repurpose her own skirts to sew dresses for us. People always assumed they were made from special materials, but it was simply her talent as a seamstress. Though she only reached the sixth grade, her life experience was profound. Above all, she instilled in us a deep faith. To my mother, God could solve anything.
She passed away young, at just 33 years old, giving birth to her ninth child. We were left orphaned, facing a new reality. At that time, there were no psychologists to help us cope with such loss. It was a great trauma, and we had to be raised in different homes. But we persevered, growing into hardworking people—some with an artistic touch. One of my siblings writes beautifully, another is skilled in handcrafts. Each of us has something that sets us apart, and that brings me joy.
I have always loved flowers. I worked with them for many years alongside a talented decorator in Santo Domingo. Flowers carry an indescribable magic. If you take the time to truly see them, they each hold a message—it’s like therapy. I love decorating, just as I love cooking. As children, we each had household responsibilities: one would wash, another would iron, another would cook. I always gravitated toward the kitchen and ironing.
As I got older, I worked in my uncle’s flower shop, deepening my passion for floral design. After my daughter was born, I worked with a young decorator in Santo Domingo—a creative visionary. Everything he touched became beautiful. From him, I learned how to harmonize different flowers, transforming simple bouquets into works of art. Flowers have a language, one that many may not know, but it is powerful and profound. My favorites are hydrangeas, roses, and lilies—each carrying a special meaning. Learning about flowers has been a privilege.
Every young person has something valuable within them, though sometimes they need guidance to uncover it. As parents and grandparents, we must help them recognize their potential. \
This October, I will turn 80. For me, prayer is essential. Every day, I take time to entrust myself, my siblings, my nieces and nephews, my daughter, and my granddaughters to God. As time passes, it becomes even more important to rely on the strength and refuge of faith. God transforms hearts. I always remind my loved ones—whether I say it or write it down—to call on the Lord as they step out the door. He listens when we speak to Him. My faith is a gift from my mother and grandparents, and it is my duty to pass it on.
In life, certain chapters stand out. For most grandmothers, the chapter of grandchildren is one of the most beautiful and rewarding. With each grandchild, you experience their journey step by step, sharing in their achievements. It is an immense joy.
My three granddaughters have all graduated from college. Each one is pursuing a career she loves, always striving to improve. Until you live it, you can’t truly understand the deep joy that grandchildren bring. I always tell my daughter, “I want to see you when you have your first grandchild.” Grandmothers matter.
My daughter is a fighter. She has worked tirelessly in this country to build the life she has now. She never gave up, overcoming every challenge that came her way. I don’t know if I would have had her strength—I might have given up along the way. But she is courageous, and I am endlessly proud of her. I believe I belong to the group of mothers blessed with exceptional children.
Every young person has something valuable within them, though sometimes they need guidance to uncover it. As parents and grandparents, we must help them recognize their potential.
Every young person has something valuable within them, though sometimes they need guidance to uncover it. As parents and grandparents, we must help them recognize their potential.
I have learned more about the Latino experience mainly from living here in the U.S.
Many of us came with a purpose—to work hard and support our families back home. We have a responsibility to set an example for future generations, showing them that those who came before were also hardworking and determined.
You can see the drive to succeed in so many of our young people. Each journey is unique, shaped by personal struggles and triumphs.
One thing I believe deeply: you should never forget your homeland. Denying your roots is a mistake. We must always honor where we come from.
Carnival in Santo Domingo is a celebration of creativity, a vibrant expression of our culture. People from all backgrounds participate, letting their imaginations run wild. Those who can’t afford elaborate costumes create stunning designs out of paper. Carnival belongs to everyone—it unites families and provides an escape from daily struggles. It is invaluable.
I am grateful for the artists and visionaries who have preserved the tradition of Dominican Carnival, and for the Ministry of Culture, which continues to uplift this cherished heritage.
We are the carnival of birth.
You can see the drive to succeed in so many of our young people. Each journey is unique, shaped by personal struggles and triumphs.
One thing I believe deeply: you should never forget your homeland. Denying your roots is a mistake. We must always honor where we come from.
Carnival in Santo Domingo is a celebration of creativity, a vibrant expression of our culture. People from all backgrounds participate, letting their imaginations run wild. Those who can’t afford elaborate costumes create stunning designs out of paper. Carnival belongs to everyone—it unites families and provides an escape from daily struggles. It is invaluable.
I am grateful for the artists and visionaries who have preserved the tradition of Dominican Carnival, and for the Ministry of Culture, which continues to uplift this cherished heritage.
We are the carnival of birth.
