This oral history is from the Michael DeCiantis Collection, Series 9: Ethnic Heritage Studies Project Interviews. The original recordings is located in Box 6, Folder 12, Tape 02. This is part two of a two part interview about DeCiantis' early life in Natick, RI as an Italian immigrant. As part of the digitization process, the audio tape was transcribed using AI software, and edited by library staff. The transcription is embedded in the video file, which, where possible, are paired with related images. In this interview, DeCiantis discusses the Italian School where he learned to read, write, and speak English. He says that the most difficult word to pronounce was "couldn't" because of the combination of letters. He attended Baker Street School when he was 11. (See letter from Edwin Luther, Superintendent of Schools in West Warwick, dated December 3, 1973.) He talks about the importance to the school children of raising the flag at school and making friends with youngsters of all nationalities. The Judge comments on the failure of schools in those days to teach the children the fundamentals of correct speech. Students learned to read but not to speak well. He tells of his after school chores and other activities including the joys of childhood play. He comments on abortions and his early impressions regarding births, a midwife Maria Pontarelli, and his mother giving birth in the home. He reflects on the attitudes of the immigrants toward the United States government during World War I, his boredom with school, and the interruption of his education. Next, he discusses various attempts to get jobs and his subsequent return to school. He talks about his interest in law and his entrance to Boston University as a special student.