Reflection #1
Through both interviews, I developed an informed understanding of the challenges faced by the homeless community. While factors such as substance abuse or lack of motivation may contribute to a person's situation, it became clear from the discussions that these are not the sole causes. Both pastors I interviewed spoke passionately and thoughtfully about the issue, emphasizing that poverty remains the primary underlying cause of homelessness. This perspective helped me appreciate the importance of addressing poverty as the root of the problem, rather than focusing solely on personal shortcomings or behaviors. The interviews also remind me that meaningful change requires tackling the economic and social structures that perpetuate poverty.
One positive aspect was the effective use of open-ended questions, which enabled the interviewee to direct the conversation and discuss their experiences naturally. My long-standing professional relationship with both individuals also contributed to a comfortable and productive dialogue. Additionally, the high quality of the audio played a critical role; had the audio not been as clear, it could have negatively impacted the overall success of the interview and project.
When re-presenting the interview, I kept in mind an audience who might not know much about homelessness but are eager to learn more. I also aimed at those interested in making a difference but unsure how to begin. To make the content easy to understand, I used clear language, showed respect, and provided context—careful not to oversimplify or make things too complex.
This project pushed me to grow in several areas. I had to carefully consider how my target audience connected with the people I interviewed. It also helped me appreciate how multimodal composition can be used to communicate complicated social topics. Ultimately, the assignment gave me fresh perspectives on expressing ideas respectfully and effectively.