The Interview Process
In this course we were required to interview a graduate from Hollins University. We were able to choose women involved in activism of our interest to interview. I choose Nancy Albert Wolf, a women involved in environmental activism globally and locally in her town, Brooklyn, New York.
Interviews are always pretty frightening but, for me at least, I have always been the one being interviewed. Who knew it could be just as scary on the other side? Interviewing a woman such as Nancy Wolf, who is so accomplished and has had such a huge influence on helping to improve the environment intimidated me quite a bit before I began. Who was I to be interrogating her about her life and what she has done? I realized that this wasn't an interrogation but tried to look at it as her helping me out. Through all of my questions I asked her and the time we had to talk learning about her life helped me in giving me direction in mine. Our first interview was over the phone which I feel may have made it more impersonal. I found that not knowing her, and especially talking to her for the firs time over the phone, made me somewhat awkward about asking personal questions. Luckily she was very open and eager to answer me.
The second interview went much easier. This time I was able to meet her, in her home in New York, and speak face to face. After sitting down for a nice lunch with her I was put at ease a little bit more. I found talking to her in person gave a whole new dynamic, in a good way. I was able to better connect with her. I also feel like she was able to express herself more and was much more engaged and excited about what she was telling me.
Overall, this interview process has been a lot of work but well worth it. I feel it was very good practice for me to improve my interviewing skills and an unbelievable opportunity to meet someone so incredible.
Transcriptions
The first interview was over the phone.
The second interview took place in Nancy Wolf's lovely home in Brooklyn, New York.