An Educational Interview: Featuring Grandma

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Interviewer: Jan C. Navarro (Grandson)

Interviewee: Bruni Borges (Grandmother)

Questions and Answer:

J: Were you required to go and study?

B: “If you didn’t want you didn’t have to. Some stayed back to find jobs and start families while others went to college and study. My parents did want me to go and study, and I did go to college, but I never finished.”

J: Did you enjoy studying at a young age?

B: “Yes I did. I had good grades throughout school. I just made stupid mistakes, like leaving college and getting married.”

J: You went to college but dropped out of college, did anyone else from your family go to college to get a higher education?

B: “My sister went to college and finished her bachelor. My brother, on the other hand, went to a technical college but dropped out.”

J: Was there access to a higher education back then?

B: “Yes there was. But it wasn’t needed as much as you need one today since there was a lot of blue collar work back then.”

J: If you would have stayed and finished your degree, what would your class have been?

B: “If I would have stayed in college and finish my degree, I would have studied law afterward.”

            I believe that one of the main differences between my elder’s education and my current education is that for most of them, education was optional. Since if their father had a small shop or a business the son would be taught from a young age to manage the business and once he reaches a certain age then he’ll inherit the shop. Now, in the present, even if the family owns a business or a shop, the parents will tell their children that they will need to go and study and once they’re done then, they can own the shop. Another key factor is that nowadays the more education you have, the more value you have as an individual. That’s why getting a bachelors doesn't cut it anymore and more people must strive to get a higher to secure a comfortable job in a field of their choice.