Are you interviewing me now?

It’s fair to say that I enjoy talking to people. I enjoy sharing experiences, laughing at jokes that aren’t funny, and over-doing the compliments. There are very few people I do not take pleasure in talking to. The few people I do not like speaking to fall into the categories of over talkative drunk or those who constantly respond with a quiet “I don’t know”.

This week in covering Hayes Valley, I add another category to this short list: the ex-journalist. Now I’m not going to name names because this person is a pretty valuable source. But she/he made me want to absolutely scream.

Every time I asked a question, rather it was a simple or elaborate question, she/he would gives this little cynical smirk. The awful little smile was followed by a comment like “Would you like to rephrase that last question?” or “Why don’t you try that again, eh?” After several critiqued questions, she/he admitted that she/he had studied Journalism in college.

Apparently, in that year that she/he had tried out journalism, she/he had become the Yoda of all journalistic endeavors. I sat there and forced myself to laugh and compliment her/him while my interview skills were mocked and ripped to shreds. It was an experience.

I kept wondering if I had come in with a press pass or if I had been older would I have been treated the same way? I kept analyzing my hair and how I could make it look more serious and mature. I felt my long blonde hair didn’t boast an image of serious reporter. Then it hit me…am I seriously editing my hair?

I obviously need to get tougher skin to go out on that field. A press pass or age could definitely benefit me with certain individuals. But alas, my 21-year-old self is short of a press pass and years of experience. I have much to learn.