GAVIN NEASE

Oral History Interview

StoryCorps URL: https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/fys-interview-about-the-theme-of-pandemics-with-blaine-nease-by-gavin-nease/

Student Reflection

a. Process: I learned how to craft questions that resemble those of Frank Senso’s “legacy”questions. This is helpful in extracting good information out of the interviewee. The most challenging was making sure the audio was not stuffy and having lots of background noise and popping. I resolved this by using a pop filter. The most enjoyable was the actual interview itself. I enjoyed hearing the feedback from the interviewee on my questions.

b. I got a better inside perspective of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic.There are many nuances that one doesn’t normally consider. For instance, the decision to make a lifesaving blood transfusion that a patient brought into the ER needs within 30minutes. You don’t know if they are exposed and have to make the decision to potential expose yourself to Covid-19. These decisions are daily for some.

c. Conducting my own oral history was much more enjoyable than I had thought it would be.I have a personal relationship with the interviewee, so it was very nice hearing about a different side of his day-to-day life. While setting it up had a few difficulties, it was relatively easy. Uploading to StoryCorps was straightforward as well. It great that anyone can have a preserved oral history through StoryCorps.

d. The assignment absolutely meets the definition of Inquiry Based Thinking. We had to craft questions in a precise manner than can be answered with more than a simple yes or no. We were wanting to get our interviewee talking and sharing information. To do this we must ask questions that encourage that. Questions that are easy to elaborate on for individuals relevant to our theme. Formulating focused questions is definitely an example of InquiryBased Thinking.

e. I would encourage an instructor to encourage students to ask follow-up questions. This opens the door for the interviewee to be able to elaborate on a certain aspect of their original answer that may particularly interest listeners.

f. I’d tell future FYS students to enjoy the process throughout this project. It can be very enjoyable if you open yourself up to it. My best tip is taking your phone case off you use your phone as a microphone to reduce audio interference. Make sure to ask the interviewee engaging questions that are easily elaborated upon