Freshman interview with dad about his dad's freshman year
Ryan Scott
9/10/01
TH 100-3
Interview With My Father
Summary
My father attended McBride High School. My dad lived in the county, so this was his first real experience with the city, with public transportation, and with black citizens. My dad really liked high school and had a fairly easy time with it. He met many good friends from all over the area. He could always seek help from his own dad, Brother Kraft at McBride and Father Bryan in his home parish. Now that my dad looks back, he realizes how much simpler things were and that things went by slower. Now, things go by in the blink of an eye.
Reflection
When I received this assignment and read over what I would have to do, I thought that this was just a simple �getting to know your family and you� type of assignment. Well, it turns out I was partially correct. But what I did not realize at the time, that I was getting to know myself and my father better, not the teacher getting to know my family and me. The lessons that I learned during this interview and reflection deal with my everyday life as a freshman, not just my dad�s.
When I interviewed my father, one of the most important things that I learned was that I am not the only one with fears and questions about high school. I noticed while I was listening to him that he was mentioning many of the thoughts that I have been having about freshman year at SLUH. He had many of the same emotions I did on the first day at SLUH: fear, excitement and wonder. This was very good to hear to remind me that I am not the only person with those emotions. Most everyone that has started high school has had those emotions and future freshman will also have those emotions.
One thing that my dad mentioned was that kids from McBride came from all over the area. I put that into my own context here at SLUH. I realized that the situation was no different! At SLUH there are kids from St. Charles, Chesterfield, south county, and the city, among other places. We must all come together to share our talents so that we may be one full, rich community. We need to respect everyone everywhere, not just at SLUH, no matter his or her race, religion, or where they are from.
My dad had very few hindrances to keep him from his full potential. The main things that bothered him during his freshman year was the peer pressure from his classmates and trying to figure out how he fit in at school. The same things are occurring to me at SLUH these first few weeks of school. When working in the library after school and I see some guys outside playing a pickup game of football it is very tempting to go over and play. I realize however, that I should probably work on my homework because I have some activity later that evening. Trying to find how I fit in is also a thought I have a lot. Which clubs should I join at SLUH, what classes should I take, and what kids should I eat with at lunch? It was again very assuring to hear my dad talk about the feelings he had because they are exactly what I am experiencing now.
The last piece of advice my father gave me in the interview was a bit of wisdom that he learned during and after high school. He said, �Remember that your parents always love you and are there for you and they always want the best. Remember what a great kid you are.� This really means a lot coming from my dad, and I am sure that this will stick with me and grow with me throughout my four years at SLUH and beyond. I hope to remember this in rough times and realize that I can always go to my parents for advice or help with a problem.
After completing this assignment, I am starting to see my high school career in a different way. Not so much in a secluded place where I am the only one feeling these strange emotions, but in a world where I am welcome to be who I am and to feel how I do. This interview taught me many things that I did not know about my dad, and I am glad I now know them so I can relate just a little better to him. It also gave me the confidence I need to do well this freshman year here at SLUH, and to strive to be the best I can be, in school and out.