For the interview project, I was able to browse through an advertisement (Craigslist) and to purchase an inexpensive item from someone I do not know, to go through with the purchase transaction and to conduct an interview. Last weekend, after searching through Craigslist of a particular inexpensive item, I selected a unique item: just one dragonfly earring, as shown below. I felt really curious about that, so I contacted the seller whose name was Alyssa. I said I wanted to buy that earing, and I wanted to interview with her in a public place, and she agreed without hesitation.
Context
The Starbucks’ coffee shop at downtown Seattle is deemed to be the most convenience place which is near to both of us; therefore, this was agreed as the safest and most accessible meeting place. I decided to go alone and likewise, Alyssa also said that she would come alone. The meeting was set last weekend, May 11, Saturday at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Narration and Description of the Meeting
At exactly 4:00 pm, I arrived at Starbucks and I was glad that Alyssa was already there. I saw that she wear very young, and cute. She described her attire before our meeting: a light blue t-shirt and a denim pants. I said that I would be wearing a white shirt over a denim pants and with a dark blue jacket. She was seated near the counter and she was already sipping a frappe.
Me: Hi, are you Alyssa?
Alyssa: Yes, hello.
Me: I am good. How about you?
Alyssa: Just great. Have a seat. Would you like to have anything? I already ordered my frappe.
Me: Yes, I will order a frappe too. (I went to the counter to order; then, got back to where Alyssa was seating).
Me: By the way, I hope you don’t mind. But why are you selling the dragonfly earring? Can I see them?
Alyssa: (Brought out the dragonfly earring) Sure, here it is. Actually, there is a story behind this earring. Actually, my ex-boyfriend gave me a pair of dragonfly earrings. When we hanged out last two years, I really liked the pair of dragonfly earrings since my boyfriend then, gave this for me as a present for our second year anniversary. But one year later, I lost one of her earring, and the tragedy happened.
Me: Oh! I am so sorry to hear that. So what happened?
Alyssa: We broke up, and my boyfriend left me. So, I want to sell this earring because I do not want to keep it in my mind anymore. I want to forget my ex-boyfriend, and forget this earring. I want to start a new life. So, I do not want to be reminded of his infidelity through this memento that is why I decided to sell them.
Me: Sounds the most reasonable decision to make.
Description of the Seller
As we were going through with the conversation, I noticed that Alyssa was half American and half Asian. I confirmed later on that she was half Korean. As we agreed, she was indeed wearing a light blue t-shirt with some dainty printed flowers, much like the image below:
Also, she has long black hair and her eyes are slightly chinky at the ends. She has clear, fair skin and she talks with little Korean accent.
Me: Have you been in America for a long time?
Alyssa: Actually, I was already born here. My parents migrated more than 20 years ago.
Me: So that explains you very good command of the English language.
Alyssa: Yes, and my preference for American culture too. Like consuming fast foods, going frequently at Starbucks, strolling at shopping malls you know.
Me: Yes. Also shopping at Craigslist.
Me: Ok, then. As our agreed price, her it is (I handed her our agreed price for the pair of dragonfly earrings).
Alyssa: Thank you very much. It is so nice doing business with you.
Me: Likewise. May be we can have some future transactions of this kind some other time.
Alyssa: Sure. You know where to find the items I post. I will also look forward to doing business with you in the future.
With that, we finished our frappes and bid each other goodbye.
Conclusion
The experience was actually very informative, illuminating, and beneficial as it enriched one’s personal perspectives in life. For one, I had the opportunity to gain a friend from a transaction where she was virtually a person I knew nothing about. And now, I know some things about her through the purchase transaction.
When I finished listening to Alyssa’s sad love story, and I felt relieved that I can buy this earring because it contains a long love story and make the earring more meaningful. When our interview finished, we became friends with each other. Alyssa is a polite and kind person, we really enjoyed talking with each other.
In addition, I was also given the chance to be an instrumental part of society as an interacting participant in trade; as well as in communication and interpersonal relationships. One was glad to have been provided with the chance to meet someone who shares the same interests as I do (like drinking frappes at Starbucks and going to the malls).
More importantly, in retrospect, I really felt sorry for Alyssa. Deep inside, I hope that she would eventually find a special someone who would love her intently and someone who she would be happy living for the rest of their lives.
The learning and rewarding experience was so exhilarating. It provided me with a chance to grow, to develop one’s confidence in dealing and interacting professionally with others, and in sharing what has been learned from the endeavor. Maybe, I would do this again sometime in the near future.
