How I interviewed my cousin ( Opeyemi)
How I interviewed my cousin ( Opeyemi)
Opeyemi happens to be a cousin of mine. We stayed together as one family .
One faithful day we both decided to create a scene by interviewing her .
We started like this :
I sat down to interview Opeyemi about her experience founding a community gardening program because I know her passion for growing food for others and bringing people together showed wisdom beyond her years.
Me: Thanks for taking time to chat, Opeyemi! Can you start by telling me what sparked the idea for your gardening program?
Opeyemi: Well, growing up I always loved gardening with my grandma. She taught me how calming and rewarding it is to plant a tiny seed and help it grow into something beautiful you can share. I wanted more kids and families in my neighborhood to experience that joy.
Me: That's amazing you turned a personal passion into something benefiting the whole community so young. How did you get started bringing your vision to life?
Opeyemi: When I proposed starting a public vegetable garden to my parents and neighbors, everyone was supportive. The town donated an empty lot and my school fundraised for supplies. Then we invited everyone to come out and volunteer.
Me: It must have taken a lot of work to build and plant the garden together?
Opeyemi: For sure, but it was wonderful seeing friends, parents, classmates and neighbors all lend a hand together. Kids brought snacks to keep us energized. Together we built the beds, planted rows of veggies and painted bright murals.
Me: What an awesome display of teamwork! Once up and running, how were you able to share the harvest with people in need?
Opeyemi: We deliver free fresh vegetables to food pantries, community centers and senior housing. People can also just come pick veggies themselves. I loved seeing the reaction when people got their first taste of our homegrown tomatoes and squash!
Me: That's incredible - making healthy food accessible for families while bringing people together. What would you say to other kids interested in making a difference?
Opeyemi: I'd say don't be afraid to share your ideas and ask your community for help. You'll be amazed how willing people are to pitch in once you get it started. Even small actions can help change lives when done together.
Me: Wise advice! Well you're clearly an inspiration, Opeyemi. Thank you for speaking with me and keep up the amazing work.
Opeyemi's story showed how even youth can cultivate big changes with a compassionate idea and determination. She watered the seeds not just of gardens but stronger communities.
Me: What drives your passion for both growing fresh produce to donate and bringing community members together through gardening?
Opeyemi: To me, food represents life. And growing it represents hope. Digging your hands into the earth and nurturing a small seed, then harvesting basketfuls of fruits and vegetables to feed people in need - it just fills my heart in this deep way.
Ever since my grandma taught me the magic of gardening as a little girl, it has felt like therapy to me. Being around plants, watching things grow and bloom with care, it restores my spirit. And knowing our work is helping families who are hungry or hurting makes that joy even sweeter.
Plus, seeing what our community can create when we come together with a common purpose renews my faith in people's kindness. Gardening becomes almost secondary to the camaraderie it cultivates. The garden erases differences and brings out the best in all of us - I think that's what I love most.
Seeing the pride on kids' faces as they water their sprouting seeds, seniors reminiscing while enjoying our fresh bouquets, parents bonding while pulling weeds together - those connections bloom just like the garden does. I'm passionate about growing food but what really takes root is lasting friendship.
Thank you for reading my post.
This is really nice, @zino01, and we thank you for sharing it, but we believe this post would be better suited for one of the gardening communities. The Ink Well only accepts short stories.
Please be sure to read up on our community. Here are some resources:
You can search for communities very easily by going to the Communities tab and using the search window. Shown below are the results of a search for gardening communities.
Thank you and good luck. You're welcome to post again in The Ink Well if you write a short story. Thank you!