I am constantly in awe of the students I teach and observe at schools across the country and around the world. We’ve recently been discussing how to conduct interviews — oral histories, family interviews, expert interviews, and peer interviews — which essentially boils down to just two things:
- Be interested enough in another person’s life to ask them about it, and …
- Listen
We listened to this recent awe-inspiring interview by a student who interviewed his firefighter dad about fighting the Los Angeles wildfires. I encourage you to listen, too. Then ask. Ask your family, your friends, experts (everyone is one about something), the person you’re standing next to in line. Then listen.
As a bonus, for the most cherished people in your life, record the interviews. Use technology in a way that puts people at ease (kids and teens are great at this). Perhaps even share the experience with others (with your subject’s permission, of course). We need more people really asking and listening, sharing and learning about each other.
Congratulations to Cian for recording this challenging moment in California’s history and for giving voice to the helpers, like his dad, who are making it bearable for others.