Student Quotes about the Course
The following quotes are from student comments about the course:
On activism:
I thought the entire concept of interviewing Hollins alumnae who
have become involved in activism was wonderful because current Hollins
students who are considering going into activism need some sort of
reassurance and encouragement from Hollins that they will be able to pursue
any career they want. -- Kaley Birch '08
The thing I gained the most out of this experience was learning how
to be motivated by "everyday" people. While I donıt think I consciously
placed hierarchy on forms of activism, I was more ignorant of, or more
reluctant to define, activism that did not represent more familiar
approaches. ...the theory we've read and the experiences we've shared have
really helped me see social activism more holistically.
Change is not being facilitated only be faces in the newspapers and
t.v. It happens all the time, often anonymously or through the use of money,
as well as loud demonstrations. In theory, I knew this all along, but I feel
as though I have proof of it now. -- Miranda Dennis '08
On methodology & skills:
...What this class has taught includes a lot of skill in
communication, how to conduct an interview, and how to develop other
personal skills. Personally I think this class has helped me understand the
dynamics of not only interviews, but also conversations between people both
of similar backgrounds or completely different backgrounds. I think that
communication and understanding is relevant to and important for work in any
field. -- Crystal Clusiau '08
On working with alumnae:
I was initially very nervous about taking this class but once I
started the interview process, I became very excited because I realized the
importance of the project. It was an incredible feeling to sit with a
Hollins alumna and hear about her experiences as an undergrad here. I felt
powerfully connected to her and other Hollins women because of the
similarities between the past and present.
As a result of this class, I have formed bonds with a great alumna,
while learning the process of relating life stories. I hope to have an
opportunity like this again some day. -- Sarah McCaig, '07
The alumna I worked with inspires me with her story. I was afraid
that the only common ground weıd have would be Hollins. I was afraid sheıd
already know what she wanted to say and overpower me. I was afraid of how to
conduct the interview. Mildred has had enough of a life to fill several
novels, my job was to elect stories. I find a great amount of love is
directed toward these stories. Every word she shared is precious and our
common bound is stronger than many bonds Iıve made with friends.
-- Kiki Lynskey '06
On personal growth:
...I would love to take another class like this that involved
interviewing and writing life stories because it promotes understanding
among two parties (the interviewer/interviewee) as well as learning about
other cultures and underlying issues concerning gender, class, race, age,
etc... There is so much room for growth and change that this class provokes
rather than it being just another class to earn credit. -- Kaley Birch
'08
...Because I got to learn about someone so strong and brave in a light
not all people can experience, I found the strength and courage to stand up
for myself and my beliefs and reflect on that in an entirely new way. I
would love to continue to do this work. I think it really makes a
difference. -- Danielle Walker '07