How familiar are you with your family’s history? Do you know where your grandparents spent their childhood? Can you recount how your parents first met? What was your mother or father like during their teenage years? Are you aware of any hardships, illnesses, or tragedies that have affected your family? Have you heard the story behind your own birth?
What parts of your family’s story—whether from the past or present—would you be most curious to learn about? Is there a particular relative whose life you wish they would share with you? If given the chance, what questions would you ask them?
In the essay "How Interviewing Your Own Family Can Change Your Life," Kevin Nguyen reveals how recording his family’s history uncovered unexpected insights and resolved long-standing questions.
Students are encouraged to read the full essay and reflect on their own family stories.
If you are interested in interviewing family members or creating an oral history project, consider sharing your work by submitting to the annual Student Podcast Contest, which is open until May 14.
