My interview with my mom was a pretty informal one. I did not tell her she would be interviewing ahead time. Instead, I opted for an impromptu interview the next time she called me. Our conversation starts off as normal. She asks about school, tells about what is going on in her life and just general small talk. I eventually break the ice and tell her about the interview she agree.
Question 1: Why did you decide to join the navy?
The first thing that my mom references is her background. " Well, you know my upbringings we're far from idea..." she starts. My mom was raised in the high crime and high poverty area of Chicago. Her parents were part of the lower working class of Chicago. She lived in a household of the size of 8. This pretty much summarizes her living situation. She continues to say " that she wanted a change and to her Navy was a way to make that happen" .
Question 2: Exactly what change was you looking for when joining the Navy?
"Mostly an opportunity to get away and start new " was her first response. I found this answer a little interesting because it I realize ,with her prior living conditions , the Navy was really the first time she was in control of her life. She could decide where she want to live, what career she wanted to pursue, and be fully responsible for her own well being . She continues to describe how the Navy end up being a building block for the rest her life. She made friends, lead her to current career and even found a husband all while in the Navy.
Question 3: Favorite thing about being in the Navy?
My mom favorite aspect of the Navy was "definitely the travel. The Navy took me places that I would of otherwise would of never of been". Being a poor girl in Chicago, she was not afforded many opportunities to travel outside of the occasional trip to Mississippi to visit relatives. The navy allowed her to travel many places for extended periods of time.
Question 5 : Favorite place to travel?
" Had to be San Diego. It was my first place I was relocated to. I was fresh out of high school. The weather was nice and the bars loved their military personnel . I wouldn't mind going back there some time in the future". I really do not have much input to add here. Was a little reality check that my mom was once a party goer.
Question 6: What is the biggest drawback to being in the Navy?
"The biggest drawback to the Navy was definitely the level of commitment required. You have to enroll for multiple years at a time. During your day to day life , 10 hour work days are pretty common. When you not at work, you are probably at training. " It was clear from her tone and emphasis that the time commitment that the Navy required had worn on her.
Question 5: How would you best describe the the balance between Navy and family?
"It is definitely a juggling act. If you strive for the idealized family life you see on TV you will be fighting an uphill battle. You must be pretty adaptive and be ready to handle change. Overall, I think the balance created a constant sense of readiness throughout the household. Whenever anything happened , the household has always been able to adopt and respond quickly." This response is not really much of a surprise. My parents has always preparation to a point that may seem a little obsessive to some.
Overall, My mom seem to enjoy her Navy experience. She valued the friendships it made her and the responsibility it instilled in her. Ultimately, she realize she had other goals that did not coincide with being in the Navy. For her, being her able to raise her kids outweighed the benefits of her being in the Navy.
Question 1: Why did you decide to join the navy?
The first thing that my mom references is her background. " Well, you know my upbringings we're far from idea..." she starts. My mom was raised in the high crime and high poverty area of Chicago. Her parents were part of the lower working class of Chicago. She lived in a household of the size of 8. This pretty much summarizes her living situation. She continues to say " that she wanted a change and to her Navy was a way to make that happen" .
Question 2: Exactly what change was you looking for when joining the Navy?
"Mostly an opportunity to get away and start new " was her first response. I found this answer a little interesting because it I realize ,with her prior living conditions , the Navy was really the first time she was in control of her life. She could decide where she want to live, what career she wanted to pursue, and be fully responsible for her own well being . She continues to describe how the Navy end up being a building block for the rest her life. She made friends, lead her to current career and even found a husband all while in the Navy.
Question 3: Favorite thing about being in the Navy?
My mom favorite aspect of the Navy was "definitely the travel. The Navy took me places that I would of otherwise would of never of been". Being a poor girl in Chicago, she was not afforded many opportunities to travel outside of the occasional trip to Mississippi to visit relatives. The navy allowed her to travel many places for extended periods of time.
Question 5 : Favorite place to travel?
" Had to be San Diego. It was my first place I was relocated to. I was fresh out of high school. The weather was nice and the bars loved their military personnel . I wouldn't mind going back there some time in the future". I really do not have much input to add here. Was a little reality check that my mom was once a party goer.
Question 6: What is the biggest drawback to being in the Navy?
"The biggest drawback to the Navy was definitely the level of commitment required. You have to enroll for multiple years at a time. During your day to day life , 10 hour work days are pretty common. When you not at work, you are probably at training. " It was clear from her tone and emphasis that the time commitment that the Navy required had worn on her.
Question 5: How would you best describe the the balance between Navy and family?
"It is definitely a juggling act. If you strive for the idealized family life you see on TV you will be fighting an uphill battle. You must be pretty adaptive and be ready to handle change. Overall, I think the balance created a constant sense of readiness throughout the household. Whenever anything happened , the household has always been able to adopt and respond quickly." This response is not really much of a surprise. My parents has always preparation to a point that may seem a little obsessive to some.
Overall, My mom seem to enjoy her Navy experience. She valued the friendships it made her and the responsibility it instilled in her. Ultimately, she realize she had other goals that did not coincide with being in the Navy. For her, being her able to raise her kids outweighed the benefits of her being in the Navy.