Reflections on the Process
The Interviewing Process & My Reflections
I interviewed Debra a total of four (yes, count 'em, four) times. The first time, my microphone probably wasn't pushed in the whole way, and I realized it much later that night. I also did not perform a microphone check before I continued the interview, but if I had, I would have realized the former mistake. The second time I interviewed her, I tried to delete the useless files I had compiled on the USB port, and ended up deleted everything. However, our third and fourth interviews were quite successful!
I do realize these were "learning" experiences, but they were also quite stressful and embarrassing. As an interviewer, one must develop report with the interviewee in order to gain trust and help facilitate an open communication. I definitely felt very irresponsible and embarrassed by what happened, but Debra was very kind to me and always willing to meet again. For that, I thank her profusely.
The interviews were recorded with an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder and were held on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Charlottesville. I always kept a list of questions ready, but Debra quite often answered things before I had to ask them. She has had plenty of practice in public speaking, and her story-telling ability was natural and comfortable. I first heard her speak in my "Women and Social Movements" class last year, and her familiar face was one reason why I chose to interview her.
This project was the greatest thing that could have happened to me at this time in my life. I feel like everyone has problems communicating on different levels. This class and this project not only helped me to see how people communicate with each other, but how important their background is in interpreting what they are saying. Everyone loves sitting around their family every once in a while to listen to stories from the past. Not everyone realizes how special that is or how beautiful the narrative process can really be. I feel like I have a much greater respect for my day-to-day interactions with others, and I've realized how important and therapeutic it is to tell a story. I was incredibly lucky to get to sit on the absolute beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway with Debra and listen to her courageous stories. She has inspired me in many ways and now I have a greater understanding of activism and Hollins' part in that. Thank you so much, Debra and Leeray. I grew up (and learned) a lot this semester.