Interview ScriptInterview Script

Interviewee 1: Sally, 12th grade

1. Understanding Identity and Influence

● Question 1: Could you share your identity? How do you think this has influenced

your core beliefs and values?

I am a high school student, a part of Generation Z, which technology and social media

have influenced me. Growing up in the digital era, I was never away from sources of

information and diverse perspectives through technology and social media. The openness of

mind definitely originates with a passion for social justice. I believe in making a world where

voices matter, and this belief drives my views on equality and representation. It is as if we are

part of just one big conversation that bridges the gap across the world, and that informs me

about how I view my role in this change-making process.

● Follow-up: In what ways do you think your identity shapes how you see political or

social issues?

My identity shapes the way I envision political and social issues. I come from a

generation that is open, transparent, and diverse; therefore, I feel that debates like climate

change and social inequality do need immediate attention with consideration of all kinds of

people. The communities I am exposed to through the Internet make it possible to be aware

of various points of view. Thus, I can better understand the complexity of issues. Being from

all of us in one way or another, I have a great connection and believe that each person

deserves a voice in these conversations; this develops a great sense of responsibility to fight

for change.

2. Conversations Across Generations

someone from a different generation? What was the conversation like?

I talked about climate change with my grandfather. He belonged to a generation that

did not grow up as acutely in tune with environmental issues via the media or from any other

source. It turned out to be a very enlightening conversation in which he shared how different

priorities were. Personally, I believe that climate change is such an urgent matter and calls for

action. I believe that my generation particularly feels this pressure to ensure a secure future,

and it was quite interesting to see how perspectives differed based on experiences. It really

helped put the historical context into perspective and only strengthened my resolve to

continue speaking for change.

● Follow-up: What challenges did you face? What helped the conversation feel

productive or positive?

The biggest challenge was definitely the understanding of the sense of urgency of

each other. My grandfather did not feel as urgent about this change as much as I do. But when

we managed to turn the conversation to the impact of climate change within our community,

such as extreme weather events or health issues, that made it more relatable for him. That is

where he started to see things from my perspective. It was in those instances when common

values such as family and community well-being were underscored that a sense of

productivity in the conversation was derived. This reminded us both that we want many of

the same things, perhaps approached from different angles.

3. Priorities and Issues

● Question 3: What issues matter most to you personally, and why do you think they’re

important to your generation?

equality. I feel that our generation is the first that really talks about mental health and how it

could affect all of us and our friends. We understand that seeking help is not bad, and neither

is talking about our problems; that way, we can be more supportive.

● Follow-up: How do these issues connect with the lives of people close to you, like

family or friends?

These are things that directly touch my friends and family. Many of my friends have

some kind of mental issue, which makes it personal to me. I want everyone to have access to

the support they need.

4. Media and Information Sources

● Question 4: Where do you get your news? How reliable do you feel these sources are?

I usually use social media like Instagram and Youtube, though I try-as best I can-to

cross with the BBC or Reuters, say. These days, there is just a load of misinformation, and it

can be an uphill task trying to find what can be considered trustable news. I try to be critical

about everything I read, doing cross checks of facts from different places so I can be correctly

informed.

● Follow-up: How do you think the sources you trust impact your view of the world

compared to other generations?

I'm a big believer that my generation is just more skeptical of the whole process-the

traditional news outlets-than the older generations. While my parents might look at cable

news, I try to read balanced articles from different sources. All that plays into my approach to

looking at the world: constantly trying to discern what's real and what might be biased. It's

overwhelming but also urges me to be more critical and informed.

● Question 5: What are you optimistic about in the future? What do you think your

could the generation improve upon compared to previous ones?

I am very optimistic about how technology might be used to solve big problems, such

as switching over to renewable energy and working out medical research to find cures for

diseases. I feel my generation is better at seeing everyone as part of the greater community,

which will be much needed to address some of the big issues, including inequality and

climate change. I hope this will continue to be a view we hold dear and that, together, we will

try to bring about much-needed change.

● Follow-up: How do you envision the role of your generation in bridging gaps between

age groups?

I do believe that my generation has a real opportunity to be the bridge between the

gap of generations in terms of shared goals and values-such as desiring a safe, healthy future.

While we each bring different perspectives to the table, open discussions about what is in the

best interest for all parties can help knit us together. We have new ideas and innovative

solutions; the older generation brings wisdom and experience beyond value. By coming

together, we create an all-important synergy in which we all benefit.

1. Understanding Identity and Influence

● Question 1: Could you share a bit about your identity? How do you think this has

influenced your core beliefs and values?

I envision myself as someone who has grown up during an era when stability and

effort are two of the highest-valued aspects. Traditionally, my upbringing has been grounded

in self-reliance and respect for authority in which all these three factors have played an

important role in shaping my belief system. Success, in other words, has to be earned and is

not handed down. I tend to opt for stability over change. These form the credo for my choices

and interactions with people.

● Follow-Up: In what ways do you think your identity shapes how you see political or

social issues?

My background is a molding force in my life and influences me to view various

political and social issues in a practical manner. By nature, I am security-oriented; hence, any

sudden movement of change always keeps me skeptical, particularly when they challenged

the norms already at work. I mean, I listen to a Generation Z go on and on about climate

activism and social justice. I get that they're passionate, and sometimes I just can't quite get

why they'd be in such a rush over those particular issues.

2. Conversations Across Generations

● Question 2: When was the last time you discussed a social or political topic with

someone from a different generation? What was the conversation like?

Just last month, I talked about it with my niece in her early 20s, and she is all so

enthusiastic; she believes immediate drastic action needs to be taken. I do admire her

commitment, but that seemed to make me realize that different things get different priorities.
Finding practical steps that can actually be done seems more important to me than the

urgency of the issue itself. It was one of those productive discussions in that our experiences

help mold our approaches.

● Follow-Up: What challenges did you face? What helped the conversation feel

productive or positive?

I did sometimes feel overwhelmed with her sense of urgency, at times particularly

with regard to our difference of opinion on the role that government and corporations should

play in climate change. Productive was when both of us showed respect; I listened, and she

respected that I really tried to understand her point of view. I'm starting to realize just how

important it is to hear each other out, even when our views differ significantly. It cultivates a

better conversation and helps to fill that gap of generations.

3. Priorities and Issues

● Question 3: What issues matter most to you personally, and why do you think they’re

important to your generation?

I am concerned with economic stability and job security. Having lived through several

ups and downs of economic conditions, I understand the surety of income. It would appear

that my generation believes in steady progress and working toward attaining tangible

achievements with the view to secure the future. These issues mean so much to us because

we want to make sure the next generation has at least the same or better opportunity.

● Follow-Up: How do these issues connect with the lives of people close to you, like

family or friends?

My friends and family share similar concerns: health care, retirement, hanging onto

what we've built over the years. These may be less urgent to the thinking of Gen Z, who often

focus on purely social and environmental issues, but for us, it is a matter of first making sure
that our foundation is strong before larger changes can effectively be made. We think stability

is what you need to make meaningful progress.

4. Media and Information Sources

● Question 4: Where do you get your news? How reliable do you feel these sources are?

I get my news primarily from established sources, newspapers, news channels, and

sometimes trusted online publications. I consider them more reliable since they have been in

the business for decades and are less likely to sensationalize any story just because of clicks. I

respect the commitment of each to journalistic standards and deeper reporting, which has

helped me be more knowledgeable about current events.

● Follow-Up: How do you think the sources you trust impact your view of the world

compared to other generations?

I feel like I get a really different perspective from sources I trust than Gen Z gets, who

get so much of their news from social media and other online platforms. I do sometimes

worry that they're getting information that isn't as well-sourced, which might explain why

they see the world in such a more dramatic, immediate way. It's almost as if we are living in

two different realities, shaped by the kinds of news we consume. I rely on established

sources, and that gives me a more measured view, whereas the approach, as I see it, works to

instill a sense of urgency and activism.

5. Hopes and Improvements for the Future

● Question 5: What are you optimistic about in the future? What do you think your

generation could improve upon compared to previous ones?

I feel quite optimistic about the technology and medical advancement that advances in

improving our quality as we age. My generation also learned from the past and is more open
toward ensuring that mental health and work-life balance support one another in having

healthier lifestyles and support systems.

● Follow-Up: How do you envision the role of your generation in bridging gaps

between age groups?

I envision my generation acting as a bridge because of the promotion of dialogue and

respect for multiplicity. Gen Z has a lot of energy towards change, whereas we bring

experience and wariness, which can balance that. We can facilitate causes of Gen Z and guide

them on how to pursue those changes sustainably. It keeps collaboration within age groups.
Artist’s statement

As a Generation Z high school student, I find my identity deeply influenced by living

in the digital era, which means that technology and social media are not only ways of

expressing myself but also represent ways to access various points of view. All this

connectivity influences my very core, especially with respect to what I believe in and value:

social justice, climate action, and mental health awareness. Unlike previous generations, I see

these as urgent and shared challenges, underlining that matters must be dealt with under a

perspective of transparency and community-oriented solutions.

Engaging with the older generation, most specifically having conversations about

climate change with my grandfather, has been important in showing our experiences are

crucial in shaping priorities. He examines environmental issues through lenses of economic

stability and security regarding employment. I immediately feel the need to act on behalf of

climate change for a future we will inherit. Such conversations remind me of how we differ,

yet show so well our common values: family, community, and well-being. I believe I can

connect the generation gap and achieve a mutual understanding by focusing on what we have

in common.

What is commonly referred to as a radical or unrealistic generation, I believe brings

passion and inclusivity that this world direly needs. The openness of our discussions on

mental health reflects our shift toward the decision to take responsibility for our well-being

and the betterment of our communities. It's a fight for equality and representation, putting

everyone in one circle, which I feel would best create real change.

My view has always been that art could speak across generations. Through the

conversations that question assumptions and collaborations, I wish to reveal that our visions

are more aligned than we often think. This perspective speaks volumes to my belief in the
relevance of dialogue and, further, how art can spur this collective action as it bridges the

divides separating humanity.