As an undergraduate Native American college student you have been selected from a national pool of applicants to interview President Obama. Your scheduled interview is to be no longer than 10 minutes. The interview is to be conducted on a Tuesday morning in March at the White House.
• What is your first step in preparing for the interview?
• Upon arrival at the White House what would be your first reaction?
• How would you expect to be greeted?
• How would you be dressed?
• How would you interact with others prior to meeting the President?
• Upon first sighting the president what would be your first reaction?
• How would you introduce yourself to the President?
• After your introduction to the president, how would you explain what you were there to do?
• What type of interview would you conduct and why?
• What would be the topic of the interview and how would you introduce this topic to the President?
• How many questions would you ask the President?
• What would be the first question you asked the President?
• How would you ensure that the President valued your questions?
• How would you end the interview?
• Before exiting the White House what would be your final thought?
• Once back home what steps would you take, if any, to acknowledge the interview?
Please understand that no one here will do your work for you. However, we will be happy to read over whatever you come up with and make suggestions and/or corrections.
Please post what you think.
Preparing for the Interview:
The first step in preparing for the interview would be to conduct thorough research on President Obama's background, policies, and key initiatives, with particular attention to issues relevant to Native American communities. This research will help you formulate informed questions and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
Upon Arrival at the White House:
Upon arriving at the White House, your first reaction might be a mix of excitement, awe, and nervousness. It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the prestigious setting and the significance of the opportunity.
Expectation of Greeting:
You would probably be greeted by White House staff or your assigned point of contact. They might welcome you, check your identification, and provide any necessary instructions or guidance for the upcoming interview.
Attire:
As a guideline, it would be appropriate to dress in professional attire for the interview. This could include a suit or dress, ensuring that you present yourself in a polished and respectful manner.
Interacting with Others:
Prior to meeting the President, you should interact respectfully and professionally with the White House staff, fellow interviewees (if any), and any individuals assisting you during the process. Displaying a positive attitude, being courteous, and engaging in small talk can help create a favorable impression.
First Reaction upon Sighting the President:
Upon first sighting the President, you might experience a mix of excitement, awe, and perhaps even a moment of surprise. It's important to maintain composure and remain professional throughout the encounter.
Self-Introduction to the President:
When introducing yourself to the President, you should be confident, maintain eye contact, and extend a respectful handshake. Simply state your name, briefly mention your Native American heritage, and express gratitude for the opportunity to interview him.
Explaining the Purpose of the Interview:
After introducing yourself, you could explain that you have been selected as an undergraduate Native American college student to interview the President. You can mention the national pool of applicants and express your intent to discuss issues and policies relevant to Native American communities and your fellow Native American college students.
Type of Interview to Conduct:
Given the limited interview duration of 10 minutes, a focused and concise interview format would be appropriate. This could involve asking direct questions that elicit informative responses from the President, rather than engaging in a lengthy conversation.
Topic of the Interview and Introduction:
The interview could focus on the challenges faced by Native American communities, including barriers to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare disparities. You might introduce this topic by acknowledging the President's efforts towards Native American issues in the past and express your interest in understanding his perspective on addressing these challenges.
Number of Questions:
Considering the time constraint, it would be best to prepare a limited number of well-thought-out questions, perhaps around 4-5, that allow for comprehensive answers from the President.
First Question to the President:
A possible opening question could be: "Mr. President, what do you see as the most pressing issue facing Native American communities today, and what steps do you believe are necessary to address this challenge?"
Ensuring the President Values Your Questions:
To ensure the President values your questions, it is essential to demonstrate your understanding of the issues, speak confidently, and convey your sincere interest and intentions. Additionally, framing the questions in a way that highlights their significance and relevance to Native American communities can further engage the President's attention.
Ending the Interview:
To end the interview, you could express your gratitude for the conversation, thank the President for his time, and reiterate the importance of the issues discussed. You may also express your hope for continued support and collaboration.
Final Thought before Exiting the White House:
Before leaving, your final thought might be a reflection on the significance of the opportunity and the impact it could have on you personally and on the Native American community you represent. It could be a moment of appreciation for the experience and a recognition of the responsibility to carry forward the insights gained from the interview.
Acknowledging the Interview:
Once back home, you might consider sharing your experience and insights gained from the interview through various channels. This could involve writing about it in your college's newsletter, sharing it on social media platforms, or discussing it with fellow students and members of the Native American community. Acknowledging the interview can help inspire others and raise awareness about the issues discussed during the interview.