Interview With Rachel Schoenfeld
San Diego, CA
“So, how long have you lived in California?” I ask.
Rachel has been one of my closest friends since the awkward middle school years—there is no need for petty introductions.
“Well, I moved to San Diego when I was one year old and lived there until I was five. I then moved to England and came back to San Diego when I was ten. I’ve lived there ever since.”
Struggling to calculate the total number of years that equals, she looks up to the ceiling. “So, 12 years?”
“Good math,” I joke. “How have you enjoyed growing up in California?”
“I think it’s been a good experience. It’s definitely more laid back than other states that I’ve been to. When you visit the East Coast you see a noticeable difference between the demeanors of California people and East Coast people.”
I nod in agreement.
She continues, “I think everyone is very friendly there (California) and I’ve enjoyed being by the ocean— all that good stuff.”
“Since you've enjoyed living in California, what exactly makes it such a special and/or a unique place to live?” I ask.
“I think it’s unique that over 55% of its population isn’t American. Is that unique?”
I’m not sure if it is the randomness or scholerliness of her statement, but both of us start laughing. Still giggling, Rachel proceeds. “It’s unique because it’s a city with coastal towns. There’s a lot of diversity in the different communities. For example, in San Diego you have the city downtown and a coastal beach town ten minutes, if not less, away. You can drive everywhere and everything seems close even if that’s not the case.”
“Do you think California attracts a range of people because of the diverse cities and communities found everywhere, not just in San Diego County?” I inquire.
She nods. “Definitely.”
“In that case, how would you describe the vibe of California?”
“I would definitely say its very laidback, very relaxed. You certainly notice the lack of that vibe when you travel to other places, such as the East Coast. Everyone just seems more stress free in Cali.”
“Do you think this relaxed vibe is a good or bad trait?”
“I think it depends.” Rachel chuckles and smirks, “Californians have a bad reputation of being stupid surfers and stoners. I like the laidback attitudes but I’d argue that when it comes down to it, we still know how to get our work done.”
Laughing like we're still in middle school, I exclaim, “That’s why we’re at Emory!”
She repeats, “That’s why we’re at Emory.”
After we both calm down, the questions continue.
Rachel has been one of my closest friends since the awkward middle school years—there is no need for petty introductions.
“Well, I moved to San Diego when I was one year old and lived there until I was five. I then moved to England and came back to San Diego when I was ten. I’ve lived there ever since.”
Struggling to calculate the total number of years that equals, she looks up to the ceiling. “So, 12 years?”
“Good math,” I joke. “How have you enjoyed growing up in California?”
“I think it’s been a good experience. It’s definitely more laid back than other states that I’ve been to. When you visit the East Coast you see a noticeable difference between the demeanors of California people and East Coast people.”
I nod in agreement.
She continues, “I think everyone is very friendly there (California) and I’ve enjoyed being by the ocean— all that good stuff.”
“Since you've enjoyed living in California, what exactly makes it such a special and/or a unique place to live?” I ask.
“I think it’s unique that over 55% of its population isn’t American. Is that unique?”
I’m not sure if it is the randomness or scholerliness of her statement, but both of us start laughing. Still giggling, Rachel proceeds. “It’s unique because it’s a city with coastal towns. There’s a lot of diversity in the different communities. For example, in San Diego you have the city downtown and a coastal beach town ten minutes, if not less, away. You can drive everywhere and everything seems close even if that’s not the case.”
“Do you think California attracts a range of people because of the diverse cities and communities found everywhere, not just in San Diego County?” I inquire.
She nods. “Definitely.”
“In that case, how would you describe the vibe of California?”
“I would definitely say its very laidback, very relaxed. You certainly notice the lack of that vibe when you travel to other places, such as the East Coast. Everyone just seems more stress free in Cali.”
“Do you think this relaxed vibe is a good or bad trait?”
“I think it depends.” Rachel chuckles and smirks, “Californians have a bad reputation of being stupid surfers and stoners. I like the laidback attitudes but I’d argue that when it comes down to it, we still know how to get our work done.”
Laughing like we're still in middle school, I exclaim, “That’s why we’re at Emory!”
She repeats, “That’s why we’re at Emory.”
After we both calm down, the questions continue.
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