For the oral history extension project, I had the blessing to have my grandmother as my EP once again. This time around, we were able to conduct the interview in person because she was visiting family in the United States. With the in-person interview there was a significant increase in the intimacy and vulnerability between us, and thus I was able to ensure a safe space for my grandmother to share about her past. I didn’t expect my grandmother to share as much as she did, given how little she shared for the last project; however, I was pleasantly surprised at how much she opened up.
Starting the interview, I asked about how she felt about the coronavirus and proceeded to ask about her past crises. She said that she doesn’t feel as though they were crises, but more of just history—past experiences. At first, I thought my grandmother simply wasn’t shaken up by any of her past, but I began to realize that maybe she didn’t want to share with her granddaughter the fear and worry that she experienced. Even when she shared about the April Revolution (college students were protesting against the South Korean government over a dishonest re-election), she didn’t focus on how she felt, though that’s what I asked her to share; rather, my grandmother decided to discuss how she, as a middle schooler, risked her life by helping a wounded student protestor to the hospital. And in other past experiences and with the current situation with COVID-19, my grandmother was reluctant to share her emotions, but rather what actions she took. I’m still unsure if she doesn’t want others to view herself as “weak” by showing these vulnerable emotions and rather be remembered by her good deeds or if I’m reading into our interview too much. Either way, my grandmother was an extraordinary person because through each of the experiences she shared, she always took care of others and ensured the safety and health of her family. (I apologize for not going in depth about her past experiences, but they can be a little personal)
I learned a lot from this interview, because once again, I was reminded what my grandmother lived for: to support family. This is a quality I wish to radiate and carry till the end of life. My grandmother was the one who taught me and continues to teach me what it means to be a family member and a member of society. She makes me want to give and volunteer, not to feel good about myself, but to genuinely care for others and ensure they are doing fine.
Starting the interview, I asked about how she felt about the coronavirus and proceeded to ask about her past crises. She said that she doesn’t feel as though they were crises, but more of just history—past experiences. At first, I thought my grandmother simply wasn’t shaken up by any of her past, but I began to realize that maybe she didn’t want to share with her granddaughter the fear and worry that she experienced. Even when she shared about the April Revolution (college students were protesting against the South Korean government over a dishonest re-election), she didn’t focus on how she felt, though that’s what I asked her to share; rather, my grandmother decided to discuss how she, as a middle schooler, risked her life by helping a wounded student protestor to the hospital. And in other past experiences and with the current situation with COVID-19, my grandmother was reluctant to share her emotions, but rather what actions she took. I’m still unsure if she doesn’t want others to view herself as “weak” by showing these vulnerable emotions and rather be remembered by her good deeds or if I’m reading into our interview too much. Either way, my grandmother was an extraordinary person because through each of the experiences she shared, she always took care of others and ensured the safety and health of her family. (I apologize for not going in depth about her past experiences, but they can be a little personal)
I learned a lot from this interview, because once again, I was reminded what my grandmother lived for: to support family. This is a quality I wish to radiate and carry till the end of life. My grandmother was the one who taught me and continues to teach me what it means to be a family member and a member of society. She makes me want to give and volunteer, not to feel good about myself, but to genuinely care for others and ensure they are doing fine.