Search Interviews

People of the Rio Grande Valley Border Towns: Annette tells me about her experiences growing up in the Rio Grande Valley and working and traveling with her family as a migrant worker.

In this interview, conducted in November 2018 in McKinney,Texas, Jaron Staiger (15) interviews his mom, Tamra Staiger (39) about her life experiences. Tamra shares stories about her childhood, nicknames, jobs, and other life experiences.

Charlotte is a doctoral student and associate choral conductor at University of North Texas. She is a visiting scholar from South Africa.

Margarita (Margie) talks about her experience as a mother of four children and health care in the United States.

Molly is a young lady from a small town in the Panhandle of Texas. She’s going into the teaching field as a biologist. In the interview she talks of growing up and her faith along with wishes for the future...

My mother, Mary Esther Ford (née Bazaldua) discusses her mother’s upbringing (Zoila Michaela Bazaldua) in the 1920s and 1930s in Sinton, Texas.

interviewing my Tia Lucy, my dad’s oldest sister, while my dad is in the hospital recovering from his liver biopsy for his cancer diagnosis.

I interview my good friend about his life, we discuss immigration from Monterrey, NL to Laredo,TX and how that impacted his life. Mexican culture regarding family and friendship. Growing up between Mexico and Texas, living on the border.

"I believe everyone should have their choice." - April Vallejo shares her experience as a young mother who believes every woman should have the right to choose. April attended the local Women's March in Brownsville, Texas with her daughter on...

The life and times of Lee Starr

Josie Cosme (47) has a conversation with her friend Michelle Serna (46) about the organization YWCA San Antonio and how it has impacted her life. They also talk about YWCA programs, education, and empowerment.

Arian Velazquez-Ornelas (42) platica con su mamá, Elizama Velazquez (56), de sus experiencias creciendo en México y los Estados Unidos. Hablan de la familia, el amor, y la comunidad que comparten en ambos lados de la frontera. [Arian Velazquez-Ornelas (42)...

People of the Rio Grande Valley Border Towns: Cristina Garza, Program Director of the Mission EDC and creator of the Expert In Residence program says part of the Mission CEED co-working space's mission is "...to create an infrastructure for people...

Friends Susan Daniel Mathuram (18) and Kiyanna Edwards-Polk (18) discuss dead roots, overcoming trauma, independence, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. The two also discuss leadership and the changes they hope to see in the future.

In this interview, conducted in December 2018 in Plano, Texas, Caroline Shee (16) interviews her stepfather Chris Ouellette (58) about his childhood in Bay City, Michigan (home of the Bay City Rollers!!). Mr. Ouellette shares stories about his siblings and...

Husband and wife Rick Yoder (55) and Dr. Bridgett Piernik-Yoder (53) remember Dr. Piernik Yoder’s mother Gloria Piernik. They discuss grief, coping with her death, and how they honor her mother.

Friends Julia Castellano-Hoyt (81) and Martha Tijerina (76) discuss military service, family history, and the importance of public service. Julia served in the military along with her siblings for a combined 100 years of military service.

My name is Gianna Mazorra and I am 18 years old. This interview was done with my grandmother, Maria Mazorra who is 75. This interview explored my grandmother’s life as an immigrant from Cuba in America and her struggles and...

Elyan is a 12 year old boy, who is bilingual. He likes Harry Potter, Fast and Furious, and some other things.

People of the Rio Grande Valley Border Towns: David. David Withrow is the successful owner of the local cafe, Agrarian Coffee in McAllen, TX. David is a father and husband with a penchant for the refined culinary palette. David speaks...

Spouses, Pnomwan Wager (66) and Lawrence Wager (75), discuss Pnomwan’s immigration to the United States, Lawrence’s deployment in Thailand, and their children, as they together recount their love story.

John and Audrey Russell tell stories from their childhood, education, and careers together. John's legs were saved from amputation by the newly available pennicilin in 1944 and he went on to set a national record running track in high school....

People of the Rio Grande Valley Border Towns: Anonymous 10, "They kind of saw me as a threat sometimes I feel because I was such a hardworking person." Anonymous 10 is a bartender in McAllen working as the premier cocktail...

Juana Martinez (17) interviews her dad, Miguel Martinez (40), about his life and how it was growing up in Mexico and having to assimilate in the US.

A Woman's Right: The Story It Tells – Victoria of Alamo, Texas speaks frankly about her experiences post-2016 election, her feelings regarding gender roles, and women's rights. Victoria talks about how her Mother and Aunts are all business owners in...