On October 24, 2016 I had the opportunity to interview Martha a resident at St Paul’s complex located in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Martha was born on a farm in Greenville in 1931. With three older brothers, Martha, being the youngest, considered herself “an accident.” While in school her brothers joined the military during World War II, so she had to help a lot with the farm chores. Her parents farmed dairy cows, oats, wheat, and hay. She recalled it being hard work, she also spoke of when there were “parties” in which they would cook, can, and cut up the slaughtered animals–her job was to gather and cut lard. While in school she met a boy at a basketball game that she would marry in 1951. They would have 4 sons together, the oldest
…show more content…
Martha worked at the Mercer County court house as a secretary, after many years she eventually became a deputy. Martha happiest moments of her life were marrying her husband and raising her children. She expressed her love of supporting them in any sports or activities that they had participated. She spoke proudly of her grandchildren often throughout the interview. When asked what her hobbies were she said it was supporting her kids in their sports. She discussed how her children’s friends would be over her house because it was the place to …show more content…
I also feel a little uncomfortable asking people such personal questions, especially having just met them. Once Martha talked about her grandchildren all I had to do was listen, I considered asking about her religion because she seemed very strong in the faith but I feared that it would get too off topic and so I decided against it. Once you know what people are interested in it is easier to talk to them or to even be uplifting to them if their spirits are low. If I see Martha again I would definitely ask about her grandchildren because that would get her talking and excited. I am glad I got to participate in this activity because it challenges me to initiate conversation and Martha’s advice was inspiring. I am sure the majority of the individuals at St. Paul’s the class interviewed were excited to have the opportunity to tell their story and have someone to listen. Sometimes I think in today’s society we as a whole forget how to listen and to look someone in the eye while carrying on a conversation. This is a skill that can and should improved upon to be better
Martha worked at the Mercer County court house as a secretary, after many years she eventually became a deputy. Martha happiest moments of her life were marrying her husband and raising her children. She expressed her love of supporting them in any sports or activities that they had participated. She spoke proudly of her grandchildren often throughout the interview. When asked what her hobbies were she said it was supporting her kids in their sports. She discussed how her children’s friends would be over her house because it was the place to …show more content…
I also feel a little uncomfortable asking people such personal questions, especially having just met them. Once Martha talked about her grandchildren all I had to do was listen, I considered asking about her religion because she seemed very strong in the faith but I feared that it would get too off topic and so I decided against it. Once you know what people are interested in it is easier to talk to them or to even be uplifting to them if their spirits are low. If I see Martha again I would definitely ask about her grandchildren because that would get her talking and excited. I am glad I got to participate in this activity because it challenges me to initiate conversation and Martha’s advice was inspiring. I am sure the majority of the individuals at St. Paul’s the class interviewed were excited to have the opportunity to tell their story and have someone to listen. Sometimes I think in today’s society we as a whole forget how to listen and to look someone in the eye while carrying on a conversation. This is a skill that can and should improved upon to be better