The Candidness of my sister

Introduction:

I interviewed my sister Tresha Rose; she’s a single mother of three. We share the same father but, different mothers. After explaining the reason for my interview to her, Tresha was more than welcome to comply with the interview (I was elated by this). My sister epitomizes resiliency; she’s very strong-minded, goal oriented and she possesses the mental toughness and strength which a woman needs to make it in this world. Tresha has a beautiful soul and altruistic qualities which are rare characteristics in some people today. She’s a caring and very loving person. Tresha gave me honest answers which were well in-line with my goal in conducting the interview.

1. COULD YOU TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?

My life is complicated! Three children, a degree but working in a career that has nothing to do with my degree.

2. WHAT KINDS OF CHALLENGES DO YOU THINK WOMEN FACE IN SOCIETY?

Not getting the same pay as a man would for the same job. Not getting treated as equals to the opposite sex--society hasn’t changed much.

3. HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES AS A WOMAN?

As a minority woman yes, it’s like I have to work harder to prove myself.

4. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A WORKING WOMAN?

I have been passed over a few times for a job promotion when I worked for a company for 5 years and had the experience necessary for the job.

5. WHAT BIG EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU SURVIVED AS A WOMAN?

Being a single parent, I thought it would have been a piece of cake but I realize, as I got older it takes two parents to raise a child.

6. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE GROWING UP IN YOUR FAMILY?

My biggest challenge was being the oldest and helping my single mother with my three younger siblings, definitely a lot of responsibilities on my part.

7. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A MOTHER?

As a mother there are numerous obstacles you have to take on, childcare, a job to make sure your child eats properly, a roof over your head, just simply providing because you have a little someone looking to you for all the answers.

8. DO YOU THINK THAT WOMEN ARE SEEN IN THE SAME LIGHT AS MEN? AND COULD YOU SHARE SOME EXAMPLES? Of course not, men have different responsibilities than women in the course of a lifetime. Women are the caregivers, the nurturers and some times the providers. Men (the responsible ones that is) are just the providers. Women can do the same things men do but just don’t get the credit for it.

9. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN FACE? Some women aren’t able to get the same salaries as men do so some find themselves struggling to make ends meet.

10. HAVE YOU HAD ANY FINANCIAL CHALLENGES SPECIFICALLY AS A WOMAN?

Definitely, I’ve been a single mom with little no help from my child’s father so everything was up to me to provide for my child and me.

11. DID FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIENDS (OTHER PEOPLE – JOBS) TREAT YOU DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE YOU WERE A WOMAN?

I wouldn’t say family treated me different I just knew everything was up to me to figure out on my own.

12. WHY DID YOU CHANGE COUNTRIES? HOW DID IT AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS A WOMAN?

I can’t really relate to life as a woman in my country I came to the U.S.A. at a very young age and been here ever since.

13. AS A WOMAN, WHAT DID IT MEAN TO CHANGE COUNTRIES?

Can’t really answer this fully, I know the reason my mom came to the U.S. was for better opportunities and to be with family.

14. HOW DOES YOUR ETHNIC BACKGROUND INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE AS A WOMAN?

I try not to make my ethnic background influence my life; I’d like to believe I make my life what it is by the choices I make. My Ethnic Background would just be putting a big stereotype stamp on my head and that’s not what I want to be seen as or judged by. I am not by far ashamed of where I come from or where I was born I’d just like to be seen as an individual who has the same struggles as another.

Conclusion:

I was satisfied with my sister's responses. Tresha has shown great resiliency being a single mom and dealing with the stress of reality, which made me have a more profound and emphatic respect for her. I hope my interview with my sister can serve as an example or template for young female, in making more educated decisions throughout their life.