Interview for a Magazine Class! NEED HELP!

[Princess Ash]

Hello all! I know how much we all love to do surveys...so here is one of an original kind. I am doing an article about college students, our difficult transition times, and how things from our childhood may or may not be more acceptable nowadays than they were 10-20 years ago. (I.e. us loving Disney)

So therefore, I am wondering if you guys would mind filling out this survey! I am looking for college kids of all ages, majors, and schools across the country! Our magazine is a college lifestyle magazine for men and women, written by those of us who know you best!

Please don't worry about grammar/spelling...just type your answers exactly how you'd say them! When I'm done writing the article (it will be revised many times) I will post it here! Those of you with the most "quotable" things may just make it...(but don't try to be quotable...because you may not even think you are being quotable but you are! Just be honest!) Oh, and if you don't want to put your last name...just PM me it! Thanks!


Without further ado...

Name?
How old are you?
What college do you go to?
What is your major?

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why?

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you?

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it?

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work)

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests?

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not?

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not?

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture?

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests?

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not?

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have?

What does “growing up” mean to you?

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not?

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not?

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not?

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why?

 

[ZoeDisney]

Some of these were a little difficult to answer, but I tried. I am SO sorry about the first answer, but it was a really good question and I couldn't stop writing.

Name? Zoe K. Lynch
How old are you? 25
What college do you go to? Florida International Univ. in Miami
What is your major? Liberal Studies, previously Spanish (while maintaining an interest in that)

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why? I still consider myself as a child because I shudder when someone calls me a woman or when I have to say it out loud. I still want to "play" and "party". Sometimes I can be like a kid and other times I'm like a teen. My main priority in life is to maintain my independence and I don't think a full fledged adult is worried too much about that. I am fully independent, financially, academically, and mentally (from my parents) and I live on my own. I pay all my own bills. I'm an "adult" in the sense that I am responsible for myself, but I just don't feel it yet. I still just want to have fun. I'm not saying that adults don't want to have fun, but it's just that it's currently one of my top priorities. Of course, my top priority is graduating college and making some real money, but that's because I have to in order to live a decent life. I don't want to leach off my parents forever. Anyway, the childness of me is more internal. I just want to have fun, but I want to be on my own. I'm completely and severely obsessed with the Backstreet Boys and strongly desire to have a one night stand with Nick Carter (or an affair would be better). I'm still nervous about being on my own, but I'm slowly making it. I guess I would call myself a young, nervous, fledgling adult.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you? Anything on Nickelodeon in the 90s, Ren & Stimpy!!!, Looney Toons, Disney movies (SUPER faves: LK, B&B, Aladdin), Doug, Rugrats, Sesame St, I Love Lucy!!!, What Would You Do?, Salute Your Shorts, All That, Dude Ranch, Clarissa Explains It All, Alex Mac, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, 90210, Saved by the Bell, FULL HOUSE!!!, I Dream of Jeanie, Bewitched, Nick Jr, Nick At Night, figure skating: Tanya Harding, Michelle Kwan, Tara Lapinski, Barbies, Trolls, pogs, arts&crafts at camp, SUPER NINTENDO: Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, Mortal Combat, and I know there are so many other things that I can't think of right now

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it? my teddy bear that I got for Christmas long ago. I loved that thing to death, it was special to me and I could not sleep without it.

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work) talk to my boyfriend on the phone b/c we're in an LDR , facebook, disboards, window shopping at mall and Target, movies on Netflix, talk to my betta fish, funny videos on youtube especially about animals, research the internet about random things like homeopathic remedies and how to's

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests? Backstreet Boys fanatic, still watch child targeted movies, sleep with teddy bear every night, visit pet store to play with puppies, talk to kids/teens like I'm their equal (not on purpose, it just comes naturally)

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not? I think adults who ignore their past and forget about child type fun have a pole up their butts. You just can't live life to the fullest that way. It is very healthy to maintain that innocent joy as long as you are mature and responsible when you have to be. Just don't act like a 5 year old in public, that's crossing the line.

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not? I think it is more a source of comfort. In my personal experience, I still have yet to gain full confidence in myself and I do not think my child-like ways or interests are helping in that matter. When I am stressed, anxious, or bored I immediately return to a child-like moment by being in a nostalgic trance or watching Finding Nemo or something like that.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture? I am not familiar with Warcraft, but using my guessing skills I would have to say Quidditch is way cooler! Of course I am being biased as I am a huge Harry Potter fan , so I don't really know. I really am not apart of the whole comic craze, but I believe it could be possible that movies are making it more popular. I enjoy those movies, but I still do not read the comics.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests? I think my school has or use to have an anime club. I know that some people from my school went to some anime convention and it was posted in the school's newspaper.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not? sorry I don't understand the question- maybe you're saying that younger adults are more nostalgic today than older adults? umm I think so because I don't see any post 30s going to see a kid movie without their children

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have? 9/11 was an historical event, but I don't see how it "defines" us. It did not create a cultural mold or something like that. It did not make us more patriotic, at least several years after the time. Why aren't we called the Techy Generation? or facebook generation, lol just kidding. I really have no idea. I don't think we are very cultural. I think only technology could define us. We are so glued to our ipods and computer screens or texting on our cell phones 24/7. Who are we? I think the nostalgia comes from having nothing to watch on today's crappy tv and forgetting how to talk to ppl face to face and play hop scotch and board games and simple stuff like that. Camp? what's that?

What does “growing up” mean to you? This scares me. I am still struggling with this. I would say being able to call yourself a woman or a man confidently and being assertive in public. Being able to call the shots. Having power in your own house. Of course the obvious- financial independence, job stability, marriage, family, blah blah blah, but I think that confidence, happiness, and self reliance is the key.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not? YES, as long as it doesn't interfere with any responsibilities and as long as you don't look like a mental ward escapee in public.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not? I don't think so, no. Only at specific times, like daily responsibilities , taking care of business , but on your free time...whatever floats your boat!

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not? I am so full of different interests. I definitely see a future, but I'm still confused which ones to pursue at this time. Everyone should base their future on what they truly enjoy in life.

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why? I am slowly transitioning. I know what adults must do and I am in the process of bettering myself. I am a young adult with some child-like tendencies. I believe full adults can still experience that innocent joy as long as they know how to handle it appropriately.

 

[Princess Ash]

Thank you! thank you!thank you!!!

 

[ZoeDisney]

You're welcome! That was really fun and thought provoking.

 

[lala88]

Name? Laura Metzger
How old are you? 21
What college do you go to? Community College of Allegheny County
What is your major? Math/Science, Mechanical Engineering

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why? I think that I am an adult with a childlike heart. While I fell very responsible and able to make very informed and intelligent decisions, I still long for things that remind me of being a child again. I still (clearly) love Disney and when my cousins ask me to play barbies, I love to because I get to be a kid again.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you? As a child I loved everything that had to do with Disney. I was constantly watching Disney movies and the Disney Channel. Even at a very young age one of my favorite things to watch was Vault Disney because of even with the older shows I could still see the magic involved. I always related well to Pooh and friends. A band of friends, working together for a common goal, even if that was just getting through a game of ice hockey, or flying a piglet by a string.

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it? I still love at home but I still have a few things from my childhood I can not part with. I have two stuffed animals that are about as old as me and they just remind me of all the good things in life. One is a sheep my older sister bought for me the day I was born, and I can always think about how much I am loved. The other is a Mickey Mouse that I believed started my obsession.

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work) To be honest I only go out once every two weeks or so (if that). Not necessarily because I don't want to but the amount of work I have everyday really get me tired leaving no time to go out. Also, shockingly, I don't really like alcohol.

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests? I am not involved in anything anymore. But when I was still in high school I played in the band. Always having a love of music even from an early age really helped to push me to excel.

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not? I think it is perfectly healthy to hold on the the things we love. What is not healthy is having every aspect of your life revolve about it and never being able to try anything new. You can grow up and still love the things you loved as a child. The fascination will always be there no matter if you are 9 or 99.

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not? If having something that comforts you can help build the confidence you need to lead a productive life. If you were always uncomfortable, being able to break out of a shell would be very hard.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture? Kids who play WOW are can be very normal. I myself do not play, but know tons of kids who do and they are just as normal as the sun in the sky. Anyone can turn something they think is not as normal as what they would do and make it seem loser-ish and silly. These kids can band together (much like the message boards on a computer) and work together to feel accomplished even if it is not real. Comic books are becoming very normal in every day life of young adults. I do believe that it is because of all the movies geared twords that genera and when a new movie is getting released more and more kids are wanting to read it to see what is going to happen. A good example of which is Watchmen. A graphic novel that, while it did win awards, was relatively unknown to the general public until the movie was released and now the novel is a very common book in most college age students libraries.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests? My school does have an anime and video games club. I hear that they are fairly popular.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not? I feel as though we are nostalgic early, but not more so than any other generation before us. Things I am nostalgic about are things like the Care Bears that I would watch at a young age that I now see being recreated and it reminds me of being a child again.

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have? I do believe that 9/11 could be the defining moment for us. The question use to be "Where were you when JFK got shot?" and almost anyone who was alive could tell you exactly where they were when the news broke. I never understood that until 9/11. Now the question is "Where were you when the first plane hit the first tower?" and I can tell you I was in Mr. Lutz's 8th grade Algebra class.

What does “growing up” mean to you? I feel that growing up is getting older and becoming more responsible. I, however, do not think that it means loosing you innocence. Innocence and growing up are two completely different theories. As I grow up I want to get a good job, get married, and start a family. I do not think that I should ever stop loving Disney and forget about the magic that it brings. You can try to tell me that magic is not real, but at Disney it is.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not? As I said above I will always love Disney, nothing will ever change that. That does not mean that I am not a responsible adult and I can not behave as such. At Disney though I will always be an 8 year old little girl the first time I saw Winnie the Pooh.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not? If you don't want there to be, then don't ever let there be. As long as it is a healthy connection, you should never give up something you love just because you are growing up.

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not? My future will be working as an Imagineer for Disney. It has been what I have been working twords since I started school. With out the passion I have for Disney, then and now, I would never be able to succeed.

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why? I still feel like I am a mature adult that has a childlike innocence about me.

Hope this helped you! Sorry if I was too vague.

 

[sneekypeeks]

Name? Summer Figueroa
How old are you? 28
What college do you go to? McNeese State University
What is your major? Business Management

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why? Adult, but not by choice. Growing up is a continuous battle, one in which my childlike side and my adult side are continuously fighting. I consider myself an adult because I have adult responsibilities and worries, such as will I get a good job, are all the bills paid, etc. I consider myself a child in the fact that I enjoy life. I look forward to the new things that can be learned everyday. The new, interesting people to meet. New foods, new books, new movies, etc.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you? NEVERENDING STORY BABY I have always loved to read, so stories have inspired me. I am a dork and proud of it, so gaming has always been a part of me as well. I was a tom boy, so I never played with Barbies unless it was to be hostage for GI Joe. I also did a lot playing outside, cowboys and indians style. My brother and I were required to entertain ourselves, which we did, and we did well. I think that these aspects have always inspired my creativity and problem solving skills as an adult.

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it? I didn't leave home for college, I left home after my first time in college didn't go so well. I worked at a ski resort and a guest ranch (think City Slickers). I brought my brother to the ski resort, does he count?

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work) Reading, playing Everquest (think WoW, but better), playing on the computers, obsessing over jobs, trying to figure out what this whole being an adult thing means...

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests? I play Everquest, which has a strong fantasy and creativity background.

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not? As in everything, it depends to the extent that they hold on. Appreciating who you are and where you come from is important. Little minders that bring back a simpler time in life are not harmful at all. Hanging on by your fingernails, clenching your teeth, and refusing to let go of childhood is not that healthy though...although an appealing alternative.

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not? Yes, for most people, nothing is as comforting as when life was easy. THe biggest thing you had to worry about was if you would be able to stay up until dark (I had to be asleep before the sun went down during the summer time). When I was a child, my house burnt down, so I lost many of my comfort items and never really replaced them. But I took great comfort in my family, knowing who they are, and knowing that they would accept me, no matter which route I took/take as an adult. It is amazing what a strong family can make a person capable of.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture? I think everyone has a hobby, or should. As I said earlier, anything in moderation is okay. I play Everquest, and I play it a lot. But through this game, I have learned so many things that I would not have been able too in the "real world". The one thing that online games can give you is that everyone is on equal footing. Everyone starts off the same. I have toned my leadership skills IMMENSLY through Everquest. Where else can a 24 year old lead 53 other people who are 20-60 age group, and who come from diverse backgrounds? I learned about tact, and peace making, and the appropriate handling of drama. I also learned that there will be drama, always. There are some very "cool" people who play these games, and some very not cool people who play these games. A hobby should not be a defining characteristic in the cool vs. not cool argument. Things that made a person a dork 15 years ago no longer assure the dork status. Outside of high school, where kids are just evil, intelligence has become a virtue. With our dependancy on things such as computers and technology, everyone needs a dork as a friend now a days.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests? Not that I know of.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not? I don't understand this question either.

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have? I am on the cusp of X and Y, but I can say that there are an insane amount of things that define us. War, politics, 9/11, COMPUTERS (myspace, facebook), terrorism. The world has changed, quickly and steadily for the past 20 years. Everytime we turn around, we are bombarded with a new crisis. Right now, the biggest one affecting most students is the economy. How can something that makes an entire college generation stay awake at night in fear not be a defining moment?

What does “growing up” mean to you? Paying bills. I will fight this change as long as I can. I will hold on to my childlike enthusiasm and happiness, and balance it with my adult responsibilities. I will not give in to the battle of settling, of accepting mediocrity because that is what "has always been done." I will keep my childlike eyes and continue to look at the world as new and exciting, and I hope that I can look back when I am 70 (or 150, you never know) and say I led a good, happy life. If I can say that, I will have won the battle.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not? Most definitley. A responsible adult means that you pay your bills, don't harm anyone, don't make an a** out of yourself, etc. So you can be a responsible adult and still get away with acting like a child occasionally.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not? No. You should never be ashamed of things you hold dear. Again, as long as in moderation, it is good. I get a stuffed animal on my birthday and christmas every year from my parents. If I don't get the stuffed animal, I get upset. Tradition is important, and should not be given up because a person is "too old". Those animals are a solid link to my past, and as such, mean so much more to me than just a teddy bear.

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not? Disney is all about fantasy, role playing, creativity. I hope my future has something to do with my interests. Interesting jobs are always better than not interesting jobs,

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why? I stick with my first answer.

 

[americangeiko]

Name? Cynthia
How old are you? 25
What college do you go to? Univ. of New Orleans
What is your major? Film Arts, English minor

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why?
I've recently become more of an adult in perspective because I don't 'spaz out' as much as I used to, and I'm a kill-joy for a lot of people.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you?
Disney, Fairy Tales, Mythology & Mythical Creatures--Fantasy in General. Rainbow Brite, The Little Mermaid, She-ra, & Care Bears.

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it?
I got to a commuter college so I have all the same stuff.

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work)
Most of what I do is 'work' to some degree. I laugh when people call some of what I do as a 'hobby' because I get paid to do most of my 'hobbies' which pretty much by definition makes them a profession.

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests?
I digitally color comic books/images (occasionally for fun), and I do pro costuming that's predominantly of a 'fantasy' nature.

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not?
There's no problem still being interested in the same things you were as a child, including cartoons. Anything can become 'unhealthy' if not held in moderation. (Like watching 24 straight hours of Dragonball-Z?)

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not?
It can help someone deal with stress by allowing them some level of release.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture?
I'm one of those students so I have no problem with it. One is more physical than the other, but essentially they're fandom. Not really, they're both pretty silly essentially. Absolutely. Stick anything/one on the silver screen and they'll build an audience of loyal followers quick.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests?
My college is a commuter college that overcame Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They had some organizations Pre-Katrina that would've entertained this audience, but since then there aren't really any special interest groups on campus.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not?
Television has done that to some degree, but not enough to make a difference compared to other generations.

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have?
NYT is a horrible publication as far as research goes. (I'm saying this as a journalist myself.) 9/11 really only defines those who were effected by it, just as Hurricane Katrina only defines those who were effected by it. The 'War on Terrorism' could be our defining period, so could Y2K? We won't know until we're 'old and grey'.

9/11 didn't make me want to cling to my childhood, and Katrina actually made me grow up as I stopped having those "I'm afraid of that dark hallway" moments.

What does “growing up” mean to you?
Accepting adult responsibilities and being independent.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not?
Yes. As long as they don't impair you from your adult responsibilities then there's no problems.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not?
I don't think there's ever a specific time where it ALL has to leave, but if you want to put it behind you, that's your choice. While sacrifice is part of being an adult, it's not the same type of sacrificing as it's material without a purpose.

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not?
I'm already there.

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why?
I'm still an adult. In fact, I pre-paid rent this month.

 

[BabyPiglet]

Name? Jennifer Pegg
How old are you? 17
What college do you go to? University of Arkansas.
What is your major? Psychology.

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why? Besides legally being a minor, I'd consider myself a child. I believe an adult is defined by someone who independently takes care of themselves. By that I mean pays their own bills, does their own grocery shopping, lives on their own, etc. I don't really do any of those things yet.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you? My interests were in Disney. I watched Disney Channel practically all day long. I grew up with shows like Lizzie McGuire and Doug. I was never really interested in 'toys' to be honest.

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it? I live at home, so this isn't applicable.

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work) I spend my free time mostly doing homework, to be honest. My life is so based on education right now, that I don't really have any 'freetime' persay.

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests? Oh, I go on vacations to Walt Disney World. Does that count?

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not? I think you need to have a good mix. You should never forget where you came from and what made you 'you', as it can really lend a hand in dealing with future situations. At the same time, though, I think there's a time when you need to grow up and figure out your future.

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not? I think the ability to hold on to the things that comfort us is really key in staying true to ourselves while we grow up. If we get too involved in all the drama and silliness of college life, we might lose ourselves. Plus, it really is comforting to have those things to remind you of simple childhood.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture? I think it's all about personal interests. I'm not going to say someone's a loser just because they play a certain videogame. It's not those things that define us. If that's what they like to do on THEIR free time, then that's fine by me.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests? I don't believe so.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not? I think that's true. A lot of us grow up so fast that we begin to miss the things we 'think' represent a more simple time. Everybody tends to make the past sounds better than it actually was though.

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have? 9/11 is a big part of our generation. It has shaped us to be fearful but patriotic at the same time.

What does “growing up” mean to you? It means discovering yourself and realizing that there are important things in the world going on that don't revolve around you.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not? Absolutely. Like I said, interests don't define us really.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not? Nope. These childhood interests can also bring us back to reality.

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not? Absolutely! I plan to take my children to Disney and immerse them in that atmosphere all the time.

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why? I still consider myself more of a child.

 

[Princess Ash]

Thank you all so much! Zoe, Laura, and Summer you made cameos in my article because you answered before my deadline!

Cynthia and Jennifer, I will definitely keep your answers in mind for my revision! THANK YOU AGAIN!

 

[Salukfan]

... I see I missed your deadline. But I don't care, I enjoyed this survey.


Name? Samantha Hansel
How old are you? 23
What college do you go to? Slippery Rock University
What is your major? Communication-- Public Relations

Would you consider yourself more of a child or an adult? Why?
I consider myself as an adult with interests that apply to all ages. I don't think that a love of things considered by the mainstream as "youthful" or "childish" makes me any less of a functioning, strong adult woman.

What were your childhood interests? What characters/TV shows/toys inspired you?
I'm a product of the 90s, definitely-- my favorite TV shows were "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," "Disney's Aladdin" (still probably my favorite show ever), "Kenan and Kel," "The Angry Beavers," many shows in that Nickelodeon/Disney Channel realm. I've always been a fan of video games, so my Super Nintendo is important to my childhood experience. A lot of memories come from games like Donkey Kong Country 2.

When you went to college, did you bring anything special from home that you had during your childhood? What was it and why did you bring it?
I started my college career at a Community College, but right out of high school, I wouldn't have been ready to bring relevant things with me. It took me a long time to stop fearing what I love and embrace it completely. I don't have a lot of beloved toys from childhood, though; I tend to throw stuff away, rather than keep it for nostalgia's sake.

How do you spend your free time? (Time other than structured sports/school/hw/work)
Chatting with friends online, writing short stories/fanfiction, the occasional video game, and seeing theatre, if I'm able to.

Are you involved in any activities that relate to any of these childhood interests?
I suppose my chatting with friends, because all of my close friends can be associated to Disney. I met several close friends on a Disney's Aladdin message board, and met other amazing people through them. It's funny, I can't pull Disney out of my life without it completely falling apart. It's just such an integral part of the things that matter most to me.

Do you think it is healthy/normal for people to hold onto what they loved or do they need to grow up and move on? Why or why not?
I don't think we "hold on" to things, necessarily. I've always loved Disney, but my love has changed. It's been colored by the College Program experience, meeting other intelligent Disney fans, exploring how the company works, learning how to develop myself to be able to be a part of that magic, and watching how others respond to Disney with such fury and complaint that's just plain overdone. I'm not the same person as I was five years ago, even if I can essentially claim the same interests and hobbies.

Do you think holding onto childhood interests can be a good thing for establishing a sense of confidence or as a source of comfort in an ever-changing atmosphere? Why or why not?
Embracing this part of myself has made me a more confident person, if that's what you mean. I feel like there's a part of me that'll always be safe, even as I expand that childhood love into a lifetime career and series of goals. There's nothing wrong with geeking out over old TV shows or video games or the things associated with "youth." I think the people who shut those things out as being stupid and childish are the ones with a perception issue.

What do you think of college students who do things like play World of Warcraft (a computer game) or are on the Quidditch Team? Are these two interests different? Is one considered more “loser-ish” than the other? Why or why not? Do you think that things like comics are becoming more accepted because of all the popularity in movies/culture?
I don't find either of the two loser-ish or immature. I'll confess that World of Warcraft doesn't appeal to me, but I suppose I have a natural draw toward the "fanboy" culture, since I am one myself. I don't think people who love games and Harry Potter and whatever are nerdy or dumb or immature; it's just a hobby, a part of who someone is, how they choose to present themselves. We all have something that defines us.

Does your school have any activities that cater to these interests?
There's a video game club at my school. I'm rather new to my University, so I'm not too up and up on the University culture, but it seems rather welcoming.

Do you think our generation is more nostalgic at an earlier age? Why or why not?
I think it depends on who you talk to. Among my social group? Yes. We're very much people who talk about the past with great nostalgia, though we're not blind to how things really were. I think our nostalgia trips are based on the fact that we're living that nostalgia still. It it really nostalgia to discuss "Beauty and the Beast" when we're still finding things to geek about and analyze and love? I don't know.

A NYT article called us “Generation Y” and said we really don’t have anything to define us as a generation (such as WWII or Woodstock, etc). Do you think 9/11 could be our defining event instead, as the article suggests? Could 9/11 have anything do with this nostalgia we have?
I suppose 9/11 could work, but I don't feel as though my life changed a great deal because of it. I don't know anyone in the Army, I don't know anyone who died in NY, I don't have a political tie to it, it's not something that I think about a lot. I remember the moment I heard about it, but it's not something I would say defined my life. I can link an increased interest in politics to the event, but that hasn't really formed until this year, when I want to be an involved, educated citizen for the first time in my life. It matters to me now, whereas it didn't before. I hope I didn't ramble too much here, but for me personally? I don't know if a single event can define my life or my generation.

What does “growing up” mean to you?
It means accepting yourself, finding a place you want to belong, learning and developing a reasoned view of the world, and not letting go of things because you feel you must.

Can you still have childhood interests and still be considered a responsible adult? Why or why not?
Of course you can. It's all in how you act with those interests. I'm obsessed with Animation and I watch Nickelodeon/Disney films (Disney Channel is horrific, imo, but that's another matter) very frequently. I don't think it makes me less intelligent. I'm savvy of media messages, I understand the process of creation, I get what creators are doing and striving for when they write a show, but it doesn't mean that I can't enjoy things for the sort of "mindless" entertainment they are. I spend a lot of time discussing and analysing Disney, but that analysis, that reasoned thought about films and the implications there in, is a sign of adulthood. An adult is reasoned; I don't have to be discussing the New Yorker to show my reasoning skill and abilities.

Is there ever a time where all of it needs to go away or in the attic/closet/storage? If yes, when is that time and why? If not, why not?
You know, I tried that once, in 7th grade. I got rid of EVERYTHING, toy, movie, book, etc. And I regretted it and lived in a depression until I let it all back into my life. I feel like I tried to hide myself and I couldn't handle it. I'll never do it again.

Do you see a future in anything having to do with your interests? Why or why not?
I want to work for Disney, in Feature Animation. I want that to be my life and that's what I strive for. So yes, if I can, it'll be my life for real.

After this interview and thinking about things, would you consider yourself more a child or an adult? How/why?
I still see myself as an adult, but I suppose I do think about these things a lot anyway.