Search Interviews

One Small Step partners Annette Bergins (86) and Jim Chojnacki [no age given] discuss how formative experiences with their families and the neighborhoods they grew up in influence their political views.

MJ "Joy" Gude (55) talks with her stepfather Hoyland Ricks (74) about their memories of growing up.

Sarah Justus (24) interviews her grandmother Rosa Benedicto (77) about Rosa's immigration from Ciuadad Juarez, Mexico to Chicago, Illinois. Rosa would eventually settle in El Paso, Texas. The pair also discuss Rosa's marriage and love story with her late husband.

Covering topics from family to teaching at a CPS school.

Anna Katter (35) interviews Dr. Julie Larsen (65) about memories of her son and Anna's partner, Dr. Ben Larsen, who died in a drowning accident on October 10, 2020. Memories include Ben's love for nature conservation, water sports, and the...

Andrea Bryant (83) and her daughter Noelle Bryant-Nanz (60) share family history, discuss their family’s successful business, and Andrea’s philanthropic legacy.

The life and times of a wonderful, Greek Yaya.

This is a interview of my grandmother Stacy Smith about her life, and and our families heritage.

Me and my grandma talk about her life.

Mark Braden (71) and his uncle Burly Brellenthin (97) discuss Burly's experiences farming, in school, serving in the military, and working at a Chevy dealership.

One Small Step conversation partners Jill White (52) and Holly [No Name Give] (55) exchange their lived experiences and find many parallels. They relate as mothers over having children struggling on social media, considering online learning, and being independent thinkers.

English Advanced Honors Project Interviewing Elders

Aidan Bank (14) talks with his mother, Elysa Jimenez (33) about her life being a young mother and how she overcame challenges.

Athena Miller, 8th grade, interviews her grandfather, Tom Zemrowski ("Pops"), about how he met her late grandmother ("Gramzie") at Purdue University in 1965. Other interesting glimpses of his past are revealed as well. Recorded during Thanksgiving 2021.

Karol Kennedy (59) talks with her mother, Kristina "Kris" Young Smirl (83), about her childhood, parenting, memories, jobs, and hobbies.

The person I interviewed was my mom because of her background I felt she would have good stories to tell us. Throughout the interview she talked about her childhood,struggles, and family struggles. Welcome to her life and being part of...

Siblings Ambar Rizwan (36) and Daanish Rizwan [no age given] discuss their childhoods, going to a predominately white High School, and expectations from their parents. Daanish describes his UX work and his efforts to bring about representation and inclusion. Ambar...

Christopher "Chris" Conkell (33) speaks with father, William "Bill" Conkell (74), about his life as a Secret Service agent and health challenges.

Marc Paprzyca (69) and spouse Sylvia Paprzyca (67) talk about life in Chicago and retiring to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They talked about leaving the hustle and bustle of the city life and returning to a resort town.

This interview captures a fraction of his experience growing up in the city of Chicago, parenting, and other memories he holds. He shares the most valuable lessons he has learned over the years and stresses the importance of loving your...

My Grandfather, John Grey, has had an interesting upbringing moving from place to place with his family. He was raised as a young child in Chicago Illinois, and later moved to Dallas Texas with his family. In this interview, Me...

Since 2002, Aisha has received support from La Casa Norte. From housing advocacy to helping her receive full custody of her child, they have been a stable support for her for years.

Tammam "Tom" Abouassaf (53) talks with his daughter Amal Abouassaf (21) about immigrating to the United States, his experience of culture shock, and what he is most proud of in his life.

Veronica shares her story, from running away from an abusive mother and relying on a cruel man to finding help and working toward a nursing degree.

Jill Schmidt (68) interviews her brother, John "Jack" Badke (76) about his experiences in the Vietnam War.