Janneth Colin, a first-generation WCU student, discusses her past and the adjustments she made in moving to the United States from Mexico with her familly. She talks about the differences in lifestyle, gender roles, work, and education. This…
Eddie Stillwell, a Southern pastor, discusses his experiences within the community and the church. He talks about his mentors and experiences as a pastor over the years, his time helping others with the Baptist Men, and how his past working…
Hazel Soles discusses the many jobs that she's had and the places that she has lived. She talks about growing up on a farm, then going to business school, and loving the different types of work she has been able to do. This interview was conducted to…
Beckie M. Sebastian, an Appalachian native and business owner, talks about her experiences growing up. She discusses differences in generations, and talks about the community and family values instilled in her from a young age. This interview was…
Chelsea White, an Appalachian native and community organizer at Down Home North Carolina, discusses experiences from her childhood and today. She discusses her mission to reconnect communities with their roots in fighting poverty and other problems…
Ronald Hicks discusses growing up in West Virginia and Alaska, and how work ethics have changed since he was young. He talks about his family, different work experiences from owning a putt putt company to being in the Navy, and the different places…
Dan Crouse, a small business owner, discusses how he grew up in the pawn shop business, and how that business was passed on to him. He discusses the importance of mentorship, treating employees well, and balancing work with the rest of your life.…
Mildred Peeler Young, current director of a preschool and previously the first female district manager of the US electrical cooperative, talks about her work experiences. This interview was conducted to supplement the traveling Smithsonian…
Faustine McDonald Wilson, a designer and small business owner of Survival Pride, discusses the challenges she has faced growing up, with her brother's death, and how that tragedy defined her store brand and changed her life. She also talks about her…
Tom Oren is interviewed by a Smoky Mountain High School student as a part of Mountain People, Mountain Lives: A Student Led Oral History Project. Born in 1947, Oren details his experience as a conscientious objector and his alternative two-year…