On December 2, 1980, I turned in a creative writing assignment for my 9th Grade English class. I was told to interview someone I admired. I chose my Grandmother. I was given a series of suggested questions and told to choose the ones I wanted to ask. Here is the interview!
My interview was with Helen Graebner. She is my Grandmother from Kansas City, Missouri, and a retired school teacher. She has traveled all over the world and seen many far away places. Here are the questions I asked her in the interview, and the answers she gave.
How do you feel about Ronald Reagan as the next President?
"I think it's very good. We should give him a chance."
Which President did you most admire in your lifetime?
"Herbert Hoover."
Why?
"He was a humanitarian. He helped with food distribution after World War I. Also he was blamed for the Depression and it really wasn't his fault."
What major change would you like to see in our government?
"I would like to see it more streamlined so there is less waste."
What would you do to make these changes occur if you were elected to office?
"I would vote for bills that would make these things happen. I would not vote for things that would be wasteful."
What things do you remember the most about school?
"It was a one-room country school and I remember the programs we put on for the parents and also the basketball games. When I was in 2nd Grade, our teacher let all of the 1st and 2nd graders out early and the children used to stand in the outhouse and call me names because I was younger than they were. I also remember a history teacher I had who was a good teacher."
What dances were popular when you were in school?
"The 'Charleston,' the 'Big Apple,' the 'Black Bottom,' and the 'Waltz' were all popular. I didn't have many chances to dance because my High School didn't have dances that often."
What were some of the fads and fashions when you were in school?
"Flappers, short hair, short skirts, Roadsters with rumble seats, the 'Charleston,' hip flasks, and movies were fads when I was in school."
What things have changed, during your lifetime, for the good?
"I feel that parents and children have better communication. There is less racial prejudice, and people are more aware of each other's needs. There is much better health care. We are now able to prevent diseases that were once fatal or crippling. We are more aware of poor people and minorities. More people now have a chance to go to school. Transportation is faster and better. And we now have the ability to explore space and we can find out more about the universe."
How do you feel about TV nowadays?
"It's mostly junk! I don't watch TV much. I like 'M*A*S*H,' the news, '60 Minutes,' and sometimes watch programs on Public TV though. TV has many possibilities but is being badly used. I don't watch it because I don't have time, but so much of it is inane."
Do you ever feel lonely?
"Yes, I feel lonely quite often."
What do you do to combat your loneliness?
"I like to go out and do something for someone. I also read. But mostly I keep busy. I have a part-time job and belong to groups at my church. I also work with a refugee family."
What moment would you most want to relive in your lifetime?
"I really can't choose one moment in my life. I would not want to relive my whole life. It was a good life but I like my life now as it is."
Rank the following in order of importance to you: MONEY, RELIGION, FAMILY, PERSONAL HAPPINESS, PROSPERITY, EDUCATION
"Family, Religion, Education, Personal Happiness, Prosperity, Money"
Who has influenced your life the most?
"My husband, Albert Graebner, and my Mother and Father."
When you were young, who did you pattern your life after?
"Jo from 'Little Women.'"
What do you think of teenagers today?
"Lots of good things. They are courteous, interested in people, clean and nicely dressed, and kind. Young people have a chance to be healthy, have a good education, and girls have the same opportunities as boys. Young people are free, they have a chance to make what they want happen for them. Unfortunately too many have confused freedom with license to do whatever they want. They choose to be destructive, and get into drugs, alcohol, and sex. They want to live their whole lives now when there's plenty of time to live. I have met some really beautiful young people."
What do you enjoy most about being your age?
"I don't have as many responsibilities. I realize that things I once found important are not as important as I thought. I have a better understanding of why things happen."
What do you fear the most in the future?
"Becoming senile. I don't want to become senile."
What advice can you give to me?
"Never settle for second rate in your life... that means you can not take the easiest way to anything because first rate takes more effort, more caring, more commitment - but in the long run it's worth every thing it demands to achieve it."
"Remember to be concerned for others. Love your neighbors is a commandment which enriches your life as you obey it."
"And most of all remember to love God. He made a wonderful world for us to live in. His love for us is everywhere. He will help you live a beautiful life if you will let Him."
That was my interview with Helen Graebner. I did not have a chance to ask all of the questions I wanted to, but I did get some terrific answers to the questions I did have a chance to ask!
Note from my teacher on my interview paper: "What a perceptive person she is. She gave such beautiful answers.
I love her philosophies of life and people. Very interesting and complete interview." I agree!
