Preparation:
My third interview was a little different than my previous ones. For this interview, I interviewed a male friend of mine. We both work at the same place but never got into a real conversation but this interview made us become good friends and co-workers as well. Initially, I was little nervous about interviewing him as he was the only male candidate for my interview. Being a female myself, it’s easier and comfortable to ask personal questions to girls than to boys. I did not have that personal question for him though.
We decided to meet in the library after we’re done with our work at Garvey. We met in the library second floor. I printed out all the interview questions for him and gave to him. Around 9pm, we started our interview and it went for like an hour or so. Besides the interview questions, we discussed a lot more about Srilanka and again the centre focus was on the food.
Personal Review:
This interview was the best among all. It was really fun interviewing V. I had never thought he would be so open to answer my questions. I really had a good time interviewing him. We never got into conversation while working but now after interviewing him, I came to know that he is a very nice person and fun to be around.
I got to know a lot more about Srinlanka and their culture. Some day in future, I’d like to go to Srilanka and know in depth about Srilanka. I’d like to thank all my Srilankan friends for their time. It was a whole different and a new experience.
Also, I'd like to thank all my of three friends for their time and being to kind to me and sharing every aspects of their country.
Interview#3
Date of Interview: 11-2-11
Interviewer: Eliza Pokharel
Interviewee: Vidura Wicks
Eliza: What is your good name?
V: My name is Vidura Wicks
Eliza : May I know where you are from?
V : I am from Srilanka.
Eliza: How long have you been in the US?
V: 2 years and it’s been treating me so well that I don’t even miss my home J ( just kidding).
Eliza: Do you like your stay here in the US?
V: Yes, I do. I have a lot of friends. Especially, I have all American friends. We get along really well. I love to party and so are they “the party animals”. Hence, that balances out our friendship’s equation.
Eliza : So , you only hang out with your American friends?
V: No, no I have lot of other international friends from all over the world. Especially, from the Asian countries. I want to learn about different cultures and languages.
Eliza: So, what’s the population of Srilankans in SCSU?
V : I don’t know the exact number but I am assuming there are close to 50 Srilankans J
Eliza: Do you guys have a good bonding among all the people from your country?
V: I don’t have the exact answer for this question (giggling). I try to get along with everybody but yes there are people who like their own personal space. They don’t want to party or get together and we cannot force them, if you understand what I am talking about.
Eliza: Absolutely! J So do have any plans to go back home after you’re done studying?
V: I haven’t decided yet. I still have 2more years to graduate so I don’t make plans for future. I go with the flow. I live for today.
Eliza: I like your spirit. So what’s your major?
V: My major is Finance.
Eliza : Cool, Do you like your major? Or Are you planning to change your major or something?
Eliza: So, what would you like to do in your leisure time?
V: I would like to listen to music, watch movies and hang out with my friends and play soccer.
Eliza: Soccer?? That’s great?
V: Thank you. I am so into sports.
Eliza: So, what sports do people play in Srilanka?
R: Good question! Cricket for sure!
Eliza: Okay , so if you had to define yourself in one word, what would that be?
V : (smiling) that’s the hardest question ever. I would say impatient.
Eliza: Well, that answers my questions pretty well
V : I did a good job on that one right?
Eliza: Absolutely! By the way, Are you married?
V: No , I am not. I am not even 21.
Eliza: Let’s talk about your family. How big is it?
V: I have only one elder brother. My mom and dad J and my brother is here in the US.
Eliza: How were you raised?
V: I was raised in a small family in Kandy, Srilanka. My brother and I used to spend a lot of time together. My mom was a house-wife and my dad worked so we got good care from our parents. My mom looked after us.
Eliza: Is the community you lived in: a male dominating society like other Asian countries?
V: Yeah!! Totally. Men usually go to work and females stay home and look after kids and house hold chores. But it’s different in cities. They both work.
Eliza : Do you have a joint family or a nuclear family?
V: Nuclear and I love my family. My mom and dad are back home and here I live with my brother. It’s really good to have your sibling with you.
Eliza: Have you ever gone for a long vacation with your family?
V: No , never got a chance but me and my brother have visited quite a number of places in the US. It’s just me and my brother and some of our common friends.
Eliza: Where did you do your high school from?
V: Kandy, Srilanka
Eliza: How is the education system in your country?
V: Our country has a long history which dates back two millennia and the Constitution of Sri Lanka provide for education as a fundamental right. The Sri Lanka's population has a literacy rate of 92%, higher than that expected for a third world country; it has the highest literacy rate inSouth Asia and overall, one of the highest literacy rates in Asia. Education plays a major part in the life and culture of the country and dates back to 543 BC. Modern education system was brought about with the integration of Sri Lanka in to the British Empire in the 19th century and it falls under the control of both the Central Government and the Provincial Councils, with some responsibilities lying with the Central Government and the Provincial Council having autonomy for others.
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Eliza: Are you planning to join grad school?
V: Yes, certainly! I would graduate first then look for jobs. I can’t wait to graduate.
Eliza: Why do you think education is important in one’s life?
V: I think education is the most important aspect of one’s life. If you are educated then you get whatever you want in this whole wide world. You earn respect and people would take you as an example and would like to follow your principles. Also, when you are educated you get a good job and you make a lot of money. You can live a lavish life. Education is not only important to make money , it’s important because it makes you think critically and also helps you make right decisions in life.
Eliza : I really like what you just said. T hanks , for your time V! It was great interviewing you
V: No problem , anytimeJ
Background:
"Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the Maldives." It is part of South Asia.As a result of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia "It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Sri Lanka has also been a center of the Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times and is one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism in South Asia along with Ladakh, Bhutan and the Chittagong hill tracts."The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population; Tamils who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, form the largest ethnic minority.From Iresha I came to know that the other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs, Malays and the aboriginal Vedd people.
Lifestyle:
Cuisine :
The cuisine of Sri Lanka is similar to that of India. Rice, is usually consumed daily, can be found at any special occasion, while spicy curries are favorite dishes for dinner and lunch. One of the most popular alcoholic drink is Toddy or Arrack, both made from palm tree sap. Sri Lankans also eat Hoppers which can be found anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Much of Sri Lanka's cuisine consists of boiled or steamed rice served with curry. Another well-known rice dish is Kiribath, meaning "milk rice." Curries in Sri Lanka are not just limited to meat- or fish-based dishes; there are also vegetable and even fruit curries. A typical Sri Lankan meal consists of a "main curry" (fish, chicken, or mutton), as well as several other curries made with vegetable and lentils. Side-dishes include pickles, chutneys and "sambols" which can sometimes be fiery hot. The most famous of these is the coconut sambol, made of ground coconut mixed with chilies, dried Maldivian fish and lime juice. This is ground to a paste and eaten with rice, as it gives zest to the meal and is believed to increase appetite.
Source Cited :
De Silva, K. M. (1981). A history of Sri Lanka. University of California Pres. ISBN 978-0520-043-20-6
Nubin, Walter (2002). Sri Lanka: Current issues and historical background Nova Publishers ISBN 978-1590-335-73-4
Corea, Gamani; Kelegama, Saman (2004). Economic policy in Sri Lanka: Issues and debates. SAGE. ISBN 978-0761-932-78-9
