Hate crimes against muslims

Guest Interview Project
1. Today’s date is November 16, 2012. My name is Lindsay O’Connell and this is Cindy Gagnon, and we are conducting an interview for our English class. I’ll begin the interview, but my students will ask questions as well.

2. Our class is about to read Homer’s Odyssey, a story about the making of heroes and their journeys. I would like to interview you for this project to learn more about you, who you are, experiences that have influenced you, and to know what else you might want to share with your students.

3. Do you mind my recording this interview, so I can go back to it later and verify my quotations?

4. First, will you tell me your full name?

5. Is there any story behind your name? (Follow-up questions you might use: Were you named after someone? Do you have a nickname? Do you have any emotional ties to your name?)

6. Tell me a little about where you came from. For example, where did you grow up?

7. What was it like? (for example, where there specific routines, traditions, festivals, or celebrations that you recall?)

8. What feelings do you get when you think about your childhood home (home, place, building, people, etc.)? Why?

9. At what point did sports become an important part of your life?

10. When you were growing up, perhaps during your teenage years, what was one of the most important cultural events, something that had a real impact on you? (An election, the outbreak of a disease, the rise or fall of a pop star, a particular war, etc.)?

11. What do you think that experience taught you? (OR What influence did this really have on your life? OR What significance did or does it still hold for you?)

12. Have you ever had a hero? (If not, who is the closest to a hero for you?) Can you describe your hero and why you admire that person?
13. What influence has or does your hero have on your life, your ambitions, your goals, etc.?

14. What motivated you to be a teacher?

15. What is the biggest obstacle you encounter as a teacher?

16. What drove you to become a basketball coach?

17. What is the most rewarding part about your job, either teacher or coach?

18. What is the piece of advice that you’d like all of your students to walk away with after they spend a year in the classroom with you or a season on the court with you?

19. What things would you like the class to know about you? Why? (for example, a hidden talent, a moment you are most proud of, etc.?)

20. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Post – Interview Instructions:
1. Look over your questions and see if you need your interviewee to repeat any answers.
2. Thank your interviewee for their time.