Research paper/4th interview

Instead of a final paper, I did a 4th interview. This interview is almost completed and just needs to be polished for the end. It will be up in the next couple days as soon as possible! Sorry for the delay!

My 3rd interview

Procedures: I interviewed another Finlander, luckily he was a friend of Sommer and James. This fellows name is Gerard Thymsan. We had the same preparations as thge last interview. I brought a pencil, paper, interviewee, and sadly I am still unable to record due to my malfunctioning phone that glitches every time that I open that app up. He told me he would've been fine recording but due to implications we were unable to do so. I apologize for the inconvenience.
We proceeded with beginning the interview in a different place, we agreed on the Caribou coffee located next to the Crossroads mall. We both agreed it would be a relaxing place to have met.

Interview:
7:00p.m. October 29th M= Me G=Gerard

Me: How are you today, Gerard?
G: I'm good. A little excited for Halloween though. You going to any parties?
M: Nah I'm not much of a party person. I work too much anyways.
G: Oh I see. well you should get out there more. It can be a lot of fun.
M: I've heard so. So are you dressing up?
G: Yeah, I'm going to go to as a pirate. Figured it's a good costume.
M: I always go as a hobo. It's easy enough.
G: That's creative. I would've never thought to dress up as that.
M: Yeah it was a spur of the moment one year. Your from Finland also right? Do they celebrate Halloween there? I think they did it all over most of Europe. I think.
G: Not really. We don't celebrate that Holiday there. The only dressing up kids do around there is for Easter when the witches apparently come out and try and get treats or something. My parents always dressed us up and told us that. I came here a few years back in July, then Autumn approached and everyone started talking about it. I found out and I kinda got excited myself.
M: Well that's good. How many years ago did you say it was when you first got here?
G: umm about 4? Yeah.
M: Did you come by yourself or with family?
G: I came with my family. My dad got a job at an oil rig and was transferred here. Chose to settle in good ole cloud. But he has to drive all the way to South Dakota every few weeks and spend that week up there.
M: How many siblings do you have? If I may ask.
G: I have 3 total. 2 sisters and one brother. It can be annoying with them but I deal. Do you have any?
M: I have 5 sisters and one brother.
G: Wow I think I would go crazy.
M: It's hard sometimes. Luckily some are moved out.
G: Nice. any other questions?
M: Do you go to school?
G: No I'm taking a break from school at scsu. I figured I should work on moving out. and saving up money.
M: That works. Do you think you'll go back?
G: Hopefully. I'd miss football too much to not start up again.
M: Nice I never really get sports. It's confusing to me.
G: Yeah it just depends on the person. Not everyone is interested or a huge sports fanatic. I don't watch it really. I just play it.
M: I see. Well that's more than I do.
G: yeah.
M: So do you think you'll go back to Finland?
G: Maybe I still have my grandparents there. It'd be nice to see them once more before it's too late.
M: Yeah that'd be nice. Do you miss your homeland?
G: Sometimes But I like it here a lot. I'm not sure why. So I doubt I'll be going anywhere else anytime soon.
M: I see. Do you remember your flag? I'm just curious since I haven't asked Sommer or James about that at all. Slipped my mind.
G: yeah I remember. It's just a white background with a blue cross on it. Not very extravagent but it stands for our country.
M: Do you guys have a national anthem?
G: Yes we do. it's said often. It's just "Our Land" translated. Not long either.
M: I see. Do you have a religious view? was there a major religion in FInland?
G: I am christian. Um let me think on that. There are three major religions. I believe they are the Orthodox, Christians, and the Lutherans.
M: So not very different from here.
G: I see. Are you religious?
M: No I'm more of a nature kind of guy. Circle of Life you know?
G: Cool. Anything else?
M: One more thing, do you follow politics?
G: Oh god no. That stuff gets my head in a whizz. I don't understand any of that.
M: That makes two of us! Haha. I belive that is it. Do you have any questions for me?
G: nope.
M: Alright well thanks for letting me do an interview!
G: It was fun. We should hang out again sometime.
M: Yeah that would be great!

Country Report
Through this interview I was able to learn how the Finnish flag looked, the major religions which are Orthodox, Christian, and Lutheran. Also aside from these I was able to learn that Finland does not participate in Halloween but do have their children dress up for Easter as witches and deliver twigs around for treats as a sign to ward away evil spirits. The twigs and grass seeds planted symbolised the life brought about in spring.

My 2nd interview

Interview preparation:
 How I prepared, I approached the person and asked for an interview. Before then I wrote out my questions and used my phone to record. I decided to bring a pencil and paper along for notes. The person I have interviewed is James' second cousin, Sommer Valen. James was able to help me talk to Sommer for an interview. Luckily, she also agreed. We decided to meet in the same place. The library, on October 26th.
How the interview went? The interview went well. Although I was unable to record it due to issues with my phones recording. Sadly. But other than that issue, the interview went very well, and I learned a little more.

The interview
October 26th: M= Me, S= Sommer

M: Hey Sommer! Nice to finally meet you! James has told me you two are close.
S: yes, we are. He also told me you were pretty cool.
M: haha thanks I guess. So your his cousin?
S: yes. well 2nd but oh well. doesn't really matter, Still related.
M: yeah. do you have any siblings?
S: I have one other, his name is Chris. I haven't seen him in a while. I miss him.
M: would you mind me asking why you haven't?
S: My parents divorced and that's how me and my mom are in America. My mom wanted to be close to her cousin, James' dad. I guess family should stick together.
M: So your dad and brother stayed in Finland?
S: Yeah. I guess they just didn't want to go anywhere.
M: Who knows. Do you have any pets?
S: I have a turtle and a cat.
M: Nice! That sounds fun. I've always wanted a turtle. haha. My parents would of never let me though.
S: They're pretty fun to watch.
M: No doubt. So, How do you like it here so far?
S: Seems like a great place. Everyone is nice around here. I haven't had any problems here so I'm content.
M: I see. Would you go back?
S: maybe sometime. I don't know.
M: I see. so how long have you guys been here?
S: Let me think...I think almost 3 years now?
M: OH so you've spent sometime around here obviously. How'd you feel when you got here?
S: It was scary. I was kind of afraid but once I seen what it was like here in person, I'm happy here.
M: good, so do you go to school at SCSU? How old are you?
S: I'm 19. and no, I think I'm going to wait a bit for school. save up money for my own place, get settled. All of that fun stuff.
M: I see. So I'm assuming you don't follow politics?
S; No, neither James or I ever paid attention to them. IF anything, we always made fun of them by muting the t.v. and making up what they say.
M: that's always fun to do! Do you do the same about religion?
S: No, We always got yelled at when we tried. I'm somewhat of a catholic. My parents always make me go to church.
M: DO you have any ties back to Finland through any traditions or anything like that?
S: Not really, more of a modern family mine was. We never really did any of that. Only my great grandparents did any of that. But they died before I was born so we never really talked about them. My family is more of a get work done and go on kind of deal.
M: I see. do you know of anything of Finland's past?
S:No. I mean we learned some in school. Finland is sparsely populated, and is the Eighth largest country. Ummm, It is a parliamentary, the central government is in Helsinki, it was a latecomer in industrializations, started in the late 50's I think. That's about all I remember. I'm sorry.
M: No that's fine. That's helpful information. I haven't expected to learn that much. Haha
S: yeah, SO how long is the interview supposed to go for? I don't want to be gone from home too much later. It's already 9:30.
M: It's been about half an hour or so yeah. Almost done I believe.
S: What else do you want to know?
M: let me check......well. what do you like to do when your free?
S: I like to ready, draw, listen to music, go outside, shop, all that stuff and more. I can be really girly and also be a tom boy after. It's fun trying new things.
M: Well that's not a bad thing. Do you play any instruments?
S: Yeah I play a little piano and more cello.
M: I like that combo. Both of those instruments sounds great. I play a bit of piano myself.
S: you do? that's great.
M: Yeah I like to go to the piano rooms in the PAC on campus and practice.
S: I see. That's a good idea.
M: yeah. So I believe that's all my questions. So if you want we can be done here, not to sound mean or anything.
S: NO that's fine. I have cleaning to do at home and either way we both need sleep. haha. But thanks! I had fun! we'll have to meet up again soon. James could come too. haha
M: Yeah that'd be great! thanks for your time!

My First Interview

Preparation:  How I prepared, I approached the person and asked for an interview. Before then I wrote out my questions and used my phone to record. I decided to bring a pencil and paper along for notes.
Interview Preparation: The person I interviewed is a fellow named James Nervane. He is from Finland. I met him in the Atwood prior to this assignment. I called him up and luckily were able to make an arrangement to meet up with each other on October 17th, in the library. He agreed to be recorded. I conducted the interview by starting with a basic conversation. Then I moved on to the questions I wrote down and went through the interview.
The interview went well with no major problems. I was rather pleased and had fun, likewise for James. I was surprised by how much I have learned about the country.

Interview
October 17th
M=Adam (myself) J=James

Me: Hey how are you?!
James: Hi! Im good how about you?
M: I'm good thanks! So how was class today?
J: Good sociology was a pain with that exam though.
M: I bet! I suck at that class. I need to crack down with it though.
J: Haha I'm okay with it. I need to study more though.
M: SO are you ready for the interview?
J: yes I am! Let's begin!
M: Okay. First lets begin with your name and country of origin.
J: My name is James Nirvane. I am from Helsinki, Finland.
M: Whats it like in Finland? Is it just as cold?
J:I think its a little colder. About 68 degrees in the summer.
M: Wow must be pretty cold in the winter then, how did you survive?
J: heated indoors.
M: haha good one. why did you leave finland?
J: My dad worked with a construction company and they moved him to the U.S. a few years back. I don't know why exactly.
M: Do you know how you felt about it?
J: well I was pretty excited. It was a little scary but I was just really excited to go to a new place and explore.
M: I wish I could travel haha My parents aren't that cool though.
J: it's pretty fun.
M: I bet! Do you have a religion or any political beliefs?
J: no I never cared much for either. I just kinda was repelled by them. haha you know what I mean?
M: I'm sure. That's how I feel. How did society go? LIke how did they treat or feel about women? Immigration?
J: Throughout history in finland the role of females has been equal to men.As of immigration, I feel finland is integrated. Of course some harassment and stuff like that happens but I haven't seen any hate or violence against others.
M: well that's good! Do you guys have any traditional clothing?
J: I'm not sure. My parents haven't said anything on that subject and we haven't done any other traditions besides that catholic holidays.
M: That's fine! I was just wondering. Do you like it here then? \
J: yes I do. It seems like a nice neighborhood we live in and everyone in Minnesota seems so nice. It's really nice here. I'm pretty excited for the winter!
M: whys that?
J: Because I like the cold! And ice skating and snowboarding Is very much fun.
M: I haven't actually done either. But I don't imagine that snow boarding is very much different than skiing.
J: Yeah probably not.
M: What else do you like to do?
J: I like to read, go outside, cook. A lot of things actually. I'm pretty active and like to try new things.
M: That's always good. Do you have any siblings to do that with?
J: I have 3 younger siblings. Two girls and one other boy. Theyre names are Jonathon, Christine, and Jacklyn.
M: Big family.
J: yea it's nice. We all get along great. Lot's t odo together. Family time I suppose.
M: haha fun! So why did you pick SCSU?
J: It's close, not too much, and I like the campus and people I've met hre while checking out campus.
M: Assuming classes are going well then?
J: Yeah! you know except for that sociology.
M: What's your degree?
J: Generals for now, but I think that I might go for a degree somewhere in biology. But would you mind telling me if were almost done here? I'm beat and I have to study for an exam yet. haha
M: Oh yeah that's fine! thanks for your time! I can let you go! Thanks again!
J: no thank you! I had fun and glad I was able to meet you! Bye
M: Bye!

Country Report
I have learned a little on the country. Women are treated equally. Also along with treatment, I have found out otherwise that women usually ran farms. They herded cattle on ranches and cared for them while men were in factories often. Also, women were encouraged to participate in politics. If there were any traditional garments I was unable to find out but I have found out that there were gypsies and Sammis as minorities in Finland. Before the medieval ages, Shamanism was a form of religion they worshipped. A belief was also that the realms of heaven, earth and the underworld were split into separate levels supported by a pole. That is what I have found out from this interview and some information found in Wikipedia and on everyculture.com.

Peer Review

These are the names of the people that I have reviewed so far:
Moheemed Al-Waaly
Ahmed Alabbas
Mohammed Alamer
Rakan Alolayani
Jaffar Alshaikhahmed
Mohammed Asiri
Yu Fan
Valerie Mattson
Sajjad Rabaan
Jasmine Sainju
Girum Nigussie

All the interviews that I have read did an exsquisite job on collecting information and presenting the interview dialogue themselves..I have to say I am jealous at how well you guys have done. Very Impressed! Making progress! You guys keep up the great work! I can't wait for the second interviews. :)

Interview Questions- Objectives and Questions

Objective
My overall objective is to determine the interviewee's views on society's differences as it changes from one country to another.
 My first objective is to find three interviewees of international origins. Second, I would find it beneficial to determine their names. Age is another factor. An important subject is to find out the exact country of origin. I would also like to find out more about their religion. Traditions can play an important factor in this interview, so therefore this is a main point to determine. Another objective is family, and how their roles effect the interviewee. I would also like to find more about their social life and private life. Objectives in this would be to determine their favorite items/shows. Possibly even foods. Anything. It would also be helpful to find out what their childhood was like. Was it hard? Easy-going? Maybe that played a big role on how they view things today. It would be very interesting to also find out how schooling in their home country runs. Government is another idea. Democratic? Monarchy? Communist? I could also ask about social relationships. If they have made many friends here or not. Social gatherings, groups, social hang out places?

All of these ideas will suffice as my objectives. They determine a lot about a person and also they answer many questions I, myself, or others may have wiith supplying information from a source.

Questions
Below are listed some questions that I will be asking. Along with many more question that I will be adding later on.

1. Where are you from?
2. Do you have any religious beliefs?
3. What do you think of the U.S.?
4. How does your schooling differ from here?
5. How does your family function?
6. What do you miss about your home country?
7. Do you follow politics?
8. Any traditions brought with from home?
9. Any favorite kind of music?
10. How does the U.S. differ from your own country?

Below are the Challenges and Benefits that are presented when interviewing.

Interviewing Challenges and Benefits

Roaming the Library: "Minotaur" by Joseph Alexander Macgillivray

The book I have selected is called "Minotaur" by Joseph Alexander Macgillivray.

**"A veil of mystery hangs over the whole...nothing but the Potent is certain; and fearful as I am of giving publicity to ill-omened words, I cannot refrain from breathing a suspicion that this unhallowed bellowing may proceed from some hideous Minotaur, caverned in his labyrinthine den." -Charles Kingsley.

The reason I have picked out this book is because it is about Greek mythology and a major person who is well known for acient greek architecture and excavation, Sir Arthur Evan. He was well known for recovering King Minos' palace. I took a class back in highschool about this topic and I found it very interesting. The minotaur was included and so therefore the subject topic jumped out at me.

There is only one author and he is Joseph Macgillivray. The title is Minotaur and it was published in the year of 2000. The publisher of the book is Hill and Wang and this book was printed and distributed in the United States. The exact city of publication is New York, New York.

Works Cited

**Kingsley, Charles. Pg 46. "Minotaur" Macgillivray, Joseph. 2000. Hill and Wang. New York, New York. Lit.