Interviewer’s Reaction

I would like to start off by thanking Andrew and Siara for allowing me to interview them and for being open and honest with me. Siara is the daughter of my mother’s best friend. Andrew is the younger brother of my best friend. I chose them because they share a piece of my past and my present. Siara lives in Chester, PA and attends the local high school. Chester is my hometown and I attended the same high school as Siara. She is not jaded by her surroundings and has an extremely positive outlook on her life and future. This is not the norm for teenagers from Chester because the majority of them feel that they have nothing to look forward to in life and this leads them to fall into a perpetual cycle of nothingness that is the custom in Chester. Siara attributes her positive outlook to her family, education, and faith. I believe that she will make it out of the sticky hands of the neighborhood and succeed in her aspirations.

Andrew shares my present because he attends to Boston College High School and I teach at BC High. Andrew has a calm demeanor and confidence that radiates from him when he discusses his extra-curricular activities. He becomes more introverted, answering questions with more thought and reservation, when he is discussing academics. Andrew is extremely mentally strong because he left the comfort of home, including his mom and dad, to live with his big brother and purse his dreams of playing college football and track. He was told he would not have as many opportunities to receive a scholarship offer in up-state New York as he would have in the greater Boston area. He took the road less traveled and is making the most of his choice. His biggest obstacle in life will be the pitfall of many young and exceptionally gifted athletes, meaning himself. He will not have to overcome the same hurdles as Siara, but his will be just as tough, if not harder. Unfortunately, very little is expected of Siara because of her socioeconomic level, education, surrounding community, and gender. Statistically, she is expected to fail. However, Andrew he is expected to conquer the world and that can be daunting to anyone.

Andrew and Siara possess a strong family structure that helps them maintain their focus and this is especially evident towards the end of Siara’s interview when she discusses the factors that are helping her overcome her surroundings. They both seem prepared for the world beyond them and have the skills to succeed in the endeavors of their choice. I started the interview process believing that I knew what they would say and was astonished by their maturity and became hopeful for their futures. Siara touched a spot in my heart because I rarely hear stories about successful youth from Chester and I know she is going to make it out that place. It is wonderful to see her confidence and hear her story. It gives me hope for the future and demonstrates that everything from the hood is not bad!