Local Resident Interview
Interviewee:
Jaclyn Kollaja
Interviewer: Shaw-Sean Yang
Prologue:
My name is Shaw-Sean Yang and today
I have interviewed my 7th grade science teacher: Ms. Jaclyn Kollaja, a
resident of our small town of Montgomery since the young age of one, to gain
knowledge on the characteristics and specialties that composes the rich
history, friendly people, and unique atmosphere of our petite; however, diverse
community. In order to truly understand Montgomery, we must meet the people who
have known and experienced this city since a young age. These veterans of
history can offer us an exclusive in-sight to our hidden past that we may have
never known.
Interview:
Opening the door to the science lab,
I stroll into the classroom with my elder sister by my side. Ms. Kollaja greets
us cheerfully and welcomes us in. The three of us proceeded to a glistening,
black, table and Ms. Kollaja and I each pull out a chair, facing one another.
We start the conversation but
quickly begin with the interview questions. “How many years have you resided in
Montgomery?” I began. My sister stands by the side of the table and listens.
“I’ve lived in Montgomery since I was
one year old while my mother lived in Montgomery since she was 14 years old,”
Ms. Kollaja explained.
“Since you have been in Montgomery
for such a long time, are there any experiences that you have had that you feel
are exclusive to Montgomery or cannot be found anywhere else? I continued.
“Most certainly,” Ms. Kollaja
Replied, “For instance, the Christmas Cookie Walk in downtown Montgomery, and
the historical events.
“Which locations,” I asked, “in
Montgomery do you believe are worth visiting or learning about?”
Ms. Kollaja thinks for a moment and
replies, “I would suggest visiting the historical sites, including the Old
Community Center, the Historical Post office, and just simply historic items.”
“What unique characteristic of
Montgomery has kept you a residence for such an extended time period?” I inquired.
“I love the feeling of closeness
that connects the citizens of our town,” Ms. Kollaja reacted.
“Have you visited to any notable
cities?” I switched topics, “If so, which were the most appealing? Why?”
“Yes,” Ms. Kollaja answered,
“Fredericksburg and New York City are some of my favorites.”
“Are there any reasons for these
preferences?” I questioned.
“Well, New York is because of the
oppositeness of it to Montgomery. Montgomery is a small community while New
York is a bustling metropolis,” Ms. Kollaja explains, “There is actually an
interesting story of yours truly in New York City! It start on a rainy day as I
walked through a long, commercial street in the heart of the urbanization. I
stroll into one of the shops and immediately, I see that several of the
employees glance at me and by their expressions; I could tell that did not want
me as a customer, with my muddy boots, and water-laden clothes.”
“Hah,” I chuckled, “What are some
pros and cons of Montgomery you have observed? Are there any differences you
have noticed between our town and the cities of the world?
“An advantage of living in
Montgomery, I believe, is the close-knit community where everyone is willing to
help.” Ms. Kollaja responded, “However, during the past few years, as the
county grows, everyone is still as friendly and sociable.”
“If you needed to move away from
Montgomery, “I challenged, “Where would you go?”
Pondering for a moment, Ms. Kollaja answers,
“I would choose somewhere similar to Montgomery, somewhere small and peaceful.”
“Suppose you moved,” I extended, “would
you rather stay in your town, or return to Montgomery?”
“I would definitely return,” Ms. Kollaja
responded as expeted.
I concluded my interview while my
sister began chatting with my science teacher. After a few minutes, we said our
goodbyes and departed the classroom.
Conclusion:
I discovered that even though
Montgomery’s economy dwindled after the railroad passed the city and telegraph
lines abandoned, many residents, including Ms. Jaclyn Kollaja, enjoy this calm
serenity and simplicity.
Although I prefer the large, busy
cities of the West and East Coasts, I can understand the reasons behind the fondness
of others towards the small-town feel that Montgomery can provide. Unlike some
rural areas where convenience is sacrificed for simplicity, Montgomery is
different; our community provides shops and commercial districts only a short
drive from our homes and quality public services.