Do you work or study?

I work in the administration office of a university.

What kind of routine do you have for work?

I begin work every day at 9, try to caffeinate all day long, and leave at 5. No two days are the same. Generally, I start by responding to emails and collaborating with my officemate about the day's priorities, and from there we see what fires we must put out.

Who helps you the most at work?

My officemate at work is my trusted partner. We work together on all projects that come across our desks.

Let's talk about your childhood. Did you like to draw or paint as a child?

Drawing was one of my favourite hobbies as a child. I wish I would have pursued it more seriously but in my free time I enjoyed drawing.

What did you draw?

I typically drew faces; not necessarily portraits of people I knew, but imaginary faces. I used pencil and as I got older I tried to make my drawings more detailed so they would appear more lifelike.

Do you still like painting or drawing now, as an adult?

I still do, yes. In fact, I began drawing and painting again a few years ago but this time with far more geometrical forms.

What do you like the most about painting or drawing?

I love having random lines or curves take shape and become a whole. Even when you don't know what you are going to paint, at some point you see something forming and this process is very satisfying.

Have you ever visited an art gallery?

Of course. It was the galleries and museums I visited as a child that provided me with endless inspiration.

Would you be willing to study art in the future?

I actually studied art history in university. However, I would be more than happy to study fine arts now, where I could hone my craft and get to a much more impressive level of artistry.

Let's talk about gift-giving in your culture. On what occasions do people receive gifts in your culture?

In my culture, many of our social interactions involve gift-giving. Of course, at holidays like Christmas and Easter we exchange gifts. We also give birthday gifts to loved ones. However, we also do something that may or may not be common in other cultures: we always bring a gift to the host when we are invited to someone's home. We are very conscious of showing our gratitude to someone who has opened their home to us, so we like to reciprocate with some type of present.

What kind of things do people give as gifts on these occasions?

The gifts we bring to people's homes can be sweets, wine, flowers or sometimes even a good luck trinket for the home. The closer the relationship, the greater the price of the gift typically.

What is more satisfying, gift-giving or receiving? Why?

Everyone loves to receive gifts of course, but in my culture, when someone gives you something, you are then indebted to them, and this obligation can be somewhat stressful. For that reason, I find it more rewarding to give a gift, especially if it is to someone I love and I see that they enjoy what I have given them. That feeling is better than any gift you could receive.

What are some things people shouldn't give as gifts?

We have a superstition in my country which says you shouldn't give perfume. Supposedly, if someone buys you perfume, you will get into a fight with them. The way to avoid this is for the recipient to quickly give the gift-giver a coin –of small or large value– to avoid the fight.

Other than that, I think gifts should be selected with the recipient in mind. Anything that shows a complete disregard for the person should be avoided. So, if you know someone is a staunch animal rights activist, it is utterly insensitive to buy them fur or even leather products.

Talk about a gift you would like to give to a friend. You should say

– what the gift is

– how valuable it is

– and say why you chose this gift

I am very fortunate to have my friend, Eva. She has always supported me in all of my endeavours and has believed in me when I have not believed in myself. It is thanks to Eva that I started my own side business creating hand-painted straw hats. So I am a lawyer, an artist and a business person. She even helped promote my work through her social media pages. So, to thank her for everything she has done for me, I would like to gift Eva with a special hand-painted hat.

The hat I would paint for her would be black and it would have large tropical flowers painted on the brim. I would use colours like vibrant pinks, turquoise and sunny yellows. It would be a hat perfect to wear in the summer and would coordinate nicely with her wardrobe.

There is a great range of prices for these hats, whether they are painted or not. For Eva, I would select one made of natural straw, making it more costly than average. Of course, since the item would be one-of-a-kind and hand-painted, this would increase its value.

Eva was the brainchild behind my side business venture, which gives me some extra income while doing something I love. So, to show my appreciation to Eva and for all the support she has given me, I would like to create this hat for her to protect her from the scorching Mediterranean sun while looking chic and as a testament of my gratitude.

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is a small city around an hour from here.

Do you work or study?

I work as a lawyer.

What is your day like at the office?

Well, no two days are the same. I sometimes have court cases in the mornings or I have to go to various public offices. Otherwise, I begin my day in the office reading briefs or meeting clients. Sometimes my days include all of these activities!

Who has helped you the most at work?

From a practical standpoint, it was the lawyer I apprenticed with. From a philosophical and ethical standpoint, my father, who is also a lawyer, helped me by shaping my character as a lawyer and teaching me how to be the best professional I can be.

Let's talk about dreams. How often do you remember your dreams?

I remember them on occasion, usually when I sleep lightly, I have noticed.

Do you think dreams have meaning?

I don't believe they have meaning other than revealing the thoughts of our subconscious. So, I don't believe they are prophetic or anything. At least, they aren't for me.

Do you enjoy hearing about other people's dreams?

I like hearing about the ones that baffle the dreamer. I recently helped a friend analyse a dream that had confused him, and he found my interpretation rather enlightening. Dreams with no significance are rather boring though and most dreams I experience are of this variety.

Let's talk about mobile phones. Do you use a mobile phone?

Absolutely. I don't think I could function without a mobile phone! It is critical not only for my job –as I am always on the go– but in my personal life as well. Now with smartphones you essentially have a minicomputer wherever you go, and I tend to think of this as more of a blessing than a curse.

Do you send text messages on your phone?

Quite a bit, yes. I find text messages less intrusive than phone calls. When my phone rings I often feel a bit anxious. Text messages, however, communicate things in a far more discreet way and give the receiver the freedom to reply whenever they want. I prefer them for these reasons.

Are there places where you can't use your mobile phone?

We cannot use them in court of course…and people shouldn't use them in places of worship or quiet environments like cinemas and libraries. There are other places where it is best to limit phone use to activities other than phone calls because these can be rather disruptive. For example, I dislike when people speak on the phone in public transport.

We've been talking about families, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What can a child do to make their parents proud?

I think it depends on the values the family has tried to instil in the child. If the parents have tried to teach the child to be polite, and the child succeeds, the parents will be proud. Likewise, if the parents have emphasised sports or academics and the child excels in one of these, this will please the parents.

Is it a good thing to reward children?

Apparently, psychologists say that rewards are far more effective in reinforcing behavior than punishment…so in that sense, I suppose rewards are a good thing. I would imagine though that the reward has to be appropriate for the accomplishment. You wouldn't give a child a Porsche for saying please and thank you.

Is it good to be rewarded all the time?

No, and this is related to what I just said about appropriate rewards. The rewards must be both well-timed and in line with what the deed or behaviour was. Otherwise, the rewards lose their power and the child becomes rather entitled. For example, if a child has been told they will get a gift if they brings home good grades, the parents can determine an age-appropriate gift and give it shortly thereafter. It wouldn't be so effective if the gift came five months later or was something small relative to the effort the child put in. The reward has to help motivate the child I think. At the same time, it's not a good idea to give a child a reward for every little thing he or she does.

What makes adults feel proud of themselves?

I think adults feel proud when they accomplish a difficult goal or something that seemed insurmountable until they did it. I imagine it is the same for children too. No one feels proud for something that comes easy to them or is a given. It has to be something that required some sort of effort or sacrifice for the result to warrant a feeling of pride.

Is this different now compared to the past?

Well, I don't believe human nature has changed too much, despite what we may think…so, no, I don't believe there is any difference. The only thing that might be different compared to the past is opportunities to feel proud. I think the previous generations had to worry about basic survival, so a moment of pride must have seemed like a luxury.

Can one feel proud because of their job?

I think for adults, after their children, work is where most people feel some sort of pride. No matter what job you do there is always something to be accomplished or some challenge to be overcome despite all difficulties. These will provide us with moments of feeling proud.

Can someone with a job in sanitation, such as a cleaner, take pride in their work?

Certainly. Why should a cleaner be any different? Do they not face challenges or problems? Maybe a cleaner does not broker a million-dollar deal, but they might clean something other people thought was ruined forever. They may place a wager with themselves to do more, and to do it better and faster. When these goals are accomplished, of course they too will feel pride, and rightfully so, in my opinion.

Talk about something your family member has done that made you proud. You should say

– who it was

– what he/she did

– when it happened

– and explain why it made you proud

I admire all the members of my family for their immense talents – each one is exceptional at something – but most recently I became very proud of my little sister.

My sister is 11 years old, and she has been practising tae kwon do since she was four. She is an excellent athlete and despite her age is extremely focused and disciplined.

Last month, she was selected to take part in the national tae kwon do tournament, which in and of itself is a very prestigious distinction. She practised every day in preparation for the tournament and made great sacrifices for it. She was even supposed to go to Eurodisney the weekend of the tournament but chose to compete over going on the trip.

In the end, she competed and won the gold medal, beating several other girls who were both older and more experienced than her. Her hard work and determination paid off and now she is a nationally ranked tae kwon do athlete.

The reason this made me proud was because I think it is truly rare to see a child with so much self-discipline. She has maturity far beyond her years and I am proud because I foresee amazing things for her future.

Where are you from?

I am originally from New York City.

Do you work or study?

Currently, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in economics at the prestigious New York University. Although my main focus is on my studies, I also engage in part-time work to gain practical experience and support myself financially.

When do you feel happy at work?

I find happiness at work when I am fully engaged in meaningful tasks that align with my skills and interests. I also like working in a positive and supportive environment with friendly colleagues and I find this enhances my overall job satisfaction. Collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of camaraderie foster a pleasant work atmosphere and contribute to my happiness in the workplace.

Let's talk about friends. Do you have many friends?

Although I value quality over quantity when it comes to friendships, I am fortunate to have a close-knit circle of friends who are dependable, understanding and supportive. While the size of my social circle may not be extensive, the depth of the connections I have with my friends is truly meaningful. We share common interests and values, and we actively support each other through life's ups and downs.

Is making friends easy for you?

I consider myself to be a sociable and outgoing individual, which generally makes it easier for me to make new friends. However, I believe that building deep and lasting friendships requires time, effort, and shared experiences. Thus, while I may find it relatively easy to establish initial connections, forming meaningful friendships requires investment and mutual understanding.

What sort of people do you most easily make friends with?

I find that I most easily make friends with individuals who share similar interests and values. I also appreciate people who are open-minded, empathetic, and possess a sense of humour. These qualities foster a comfortable and welcoming environment, making it easier for me to connect with them on a deeper level.

Are your daily routines similar to other people from your country? Yes, my daily routines are similar to those of others in my country. We generally follow a consistent pattern of activities throughout the day, such as morning routines, work or school commitments, designated break times, recreational activities, and evening preparations for sleep.

Are routines easy to change? Routines can be both easy and challenging to change. It depends on factors like personal motivations, external circumstances, flexibility of commitments, and individual adaptability. Some find it easier to adjust to new routines, while others may struggle. For example, someone with a more structured work schedule may find it harder to modify their routine compared to someone with a more flexible lifestyle. Ultimately, the ability to change routines varies from person to person.

At what time of the day do you prefer to carry out your routines? Personally, I prefer morning routines. Starting the day early allows me to be productive, energised, and focused. After waking up, I engage in my morning hygiene routine and have a nutritious breakfast to fuel my body and mind. This helps me feel energised and ready to tackle the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead. I find the peaceful atmosphere in the early hours further enhances my concentration and sets a positive tone for the day.

How do people in your country spend their free time? People in my country engage in various activities during their free time. These include pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, personal development through reading or attending workshops, and utilising technology for entertainment or information.

What did people do in their free time in the past? In the past, people engaged in traditional forms of entertainment. Activities such as socialising, playing traditional games, reading books, writing letters, and outdoor pursuits were common. People connected on a personal level and appreciated simpler pleasures.

How have current leisure activities changed compared to the past? Leisure activities have significantly changed due to technology and societal shifts. Digital entertainment, such as streaming movies, playing video games, and social media, has become prevalent. Traditional hobbies and outdoor activities still exist but have taken a backseat. Efforts are being made to promote balance between digital engagement and real life experiences, encouraging physical fitness, social interaction and personal growth.

Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say: -what you do -when you started doing it -why you do this routine -and explain whether you will change it in the future and why

I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands.

There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, physical exercise helps me stay fit and energetic throughout the day. It boosts my metabolism, improves my stamina, and enhances my overall physical endurance. Further, exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.

Considering the immense benefits I have experienced over the years, I have no plans to change this routine in the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on my overall health and well-being is too significant to overlook. Because the benefits I have gained from this routine have greatly exceeded my expectations, I firmly believe that daily exercise will remain a vital aspect of my life.

Talk about a person you want to work or study with. You should say: -who the person is -how you know him/her -what he/she does -and explain why you want to work or study with this person

The person I would like to work or study with is my former professor, Dr. Maria Hernandez. I got to know her during my undergraduate years at university, where she was my lecturer for several courses related to my major in psychology.

Dr. Hernandez is an accomplished academic with over 20 years of experience in teaching and research. She has published numerous papers in top-tier academic journals and has received multiple awards and accolades for her contributions to the field. Her research interests in social psychology, particularly on group dynamics and intergroup relations, align with my own research interests and aspirations.

I would love to work or study with Dr. Hernandez for several reasons. First, she is an excellent mentor who is supportive and encouraging. She has always been approachable and responsive to my questions and concerns, and has provided invaluable guidance and feedback on my academic work. Second, her research expertise and experience would be a valuable asset for any project or collaboration. Working with her would not only enhance my own skills and knowledge, but also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other scholars in the field. Finally, Dr. Hernandez's passion for teaching and learning is infectious, and I am confident that working or studying with her would be a stimulating and rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Dr. Maria Hernandez's expertise, mentorship, and passion for teaching and research would be invaluable in achieving my academic and professional goals, and I would relish the opportunity to collaborate with her on future projects.