Coding interviews
amolup
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Class mate 1
Research question
How does an individual’s personal feelings and beliefs effect how they experience admiration?
Interview questions
1. Tell me about the person that you admire?
I remember learning about Gandhi when I was in first or second grade. I think at that time he
made an impact because he was my first experience with the South Asian people and culture. As I grew
up, however, I always kept a strong memory of that first experience and twice chose him to do book
reports in upper elementary and middle school. In high school, I learned more in the context of the
American Civil Rights Movement and particularly in the context of Martin Luther King. What began as
an attraction based on novelty and romantic and exotic ideas about India became an attraction based on
philosophy and action, but more than that, a means of personal survival. By the time I reached 9th
grade, I was being bullied at school both physically and emotionally. Gandhi’s notion of non-violence
(ahimsa) and truth-force (Satyagraha) in response to injustice, as well as his efforts to protect the rights
of Indians in South Africa and gain independence in India became a model through which I was able to
endure and ultimately recover from the treatment I received at the hands of other students; in essence,
the study of Gandhi’s life and thinking helped me develop a sense of resilience in the face of severe
bullying. As a result, Gandhi’s ideas about non-violence, truth, religion (he rejected the idea that any
one religion holds a monopoly on truth; that truth can be found by any sincere seeker), as well as his
courage, determination, and orientation toward the collective have influenced my life ever since.
2. What feelings and/or emotions do you experience when you think about your admiration of this individual?
I am not aware of any particular emotions when I think specifically about my admiration of Gandhi, however, I feel pleased when I believe that I have acted in a way that is consistent with the qualities that I admire in Gandhi. It isn't that I feel as though Gandhi would approve, but rather, satisfaction that I have, at least for the moment, lived up to my ideals and values. Although I am aware, as a student of history, that Gandhi had personal flaws and ultimately he failed to create the India he wished to see, I do feel some anger and defensiveness when others criticize Gandhi's life and work, probably because I see that criticism as a criticism of my own values and beliefs. I feel sad sometimes when I think that Gandhi did not live to see the united India he dreamed about (it still does not exist), but I learned from Gandhi and reading the Bhagavad Gita that outcome is not as important as performing one's duty to the best of one's ability. I find comfort in that.
3. How do these characteristics align with you own personal beliefs and feelings?
I think these qualities have become my personal beliefs and feelings. I first encountered and
began to understand them in adolescence, the years when I started to create my own sense of identity.
They were consistent with the values and beliefs of my grandfather, who was my idol throughout my
childhood (although he died when I was 16 he continues to be). These ideas kept me from despondence
and empowered me to grow beyond the pain I endured. Because they brought comfort and meaning to
my life, I think I internalized them; they are part of my personality and character. I believe that even
today they inform everything I do; my religious thinking, my political philosophy, my marriage, my
relationships, the way I tried to raise my children (and interact with them as adults), and the way I see
my role and responsibility as a teacher. I even believe my admiration of humanistic psychology,
logotherapy, agentic theory, and self-determination theory are informed by Gandhi’s thinking.
Clasmate 2
1. Tell me why you have chosen the person that you admire?
I admire Oprah Winfrey’s commitment and determination to succeed in life. No matter how many challenges she faces, Oprah picks up and moves on. She is a humanitarian and continues to help those within her community and those of other communities as well.
2. What feelings and/or emotions do you experience when you think about your admiration of this individual?
I feel a sense self-worth as Oprah has stressed that life is too short to get caught up on the negative aspects of life. She also states that giving back to the community shows that you care about more than just yourself. As a humanitarian she has been successful and my thoughts is to follow in her footsteps.
3. How do the characteristics which you admire in this individual compare to your own personal beliefs and values?
Most of my beliefs and values are similar to Oprah’s such as, her thrive to succeed, but I know that I must work on my strength and motivation to follow her in a successful life.
1. I chose my grandmother because she has been one of the strongest women I have ever encountered. She is no longer living but her spirit still lives in me. My grandmother was always the person who gave me golden nuggets that at the time I didn't understand but it has been a life saver now in many situations. Her whole life story has been an inspiration.
2. I get very excited that I am able to carry on the legacy of my grandmother. At times I am saddened that she is no longer here physically but her wisdom still abides in the depths of my mind and soul. When I think about how much admiration I had for her, I become joyful because I can pass that legacy onto my children of the great sojourner she was.
3. We both have strong faith in God. I raised to believe that God would look out for me. I still hold those beliefs and spiritual values she instilled in me at an early age. I used to see her pray and thought it was weird when I was young because I couldn't understand why she was praying to someone she couldn't see. Of course, I understand now. It is those values of many faith lessons during her illness that has pushed me to go beyond my limits.
