Interview with Annette

It has been fun talking with Annette.  Having known her for several years it has been fun to have the opportunity to chat. 

She spent her high school years living in rural West Virginia.  That brought many technology challenges.  Internet access was limited and easily lost.  In the last couple of years it has improved significantly, but can still present challenges for cellular service.

As the oldest of four children she has had access to a variety of gadgets, including an IPod and Cell Phone.  However, her cell phone, until recently could not send or receive photos.  She had to share her IPod with her younger siblings until they finally got their own.  Her youngest brother, who is 9 still does not have an IPod.  She is thinking about handing down her IPod to him when she gets a new one.

The family had only 1 computer for a long time.  Annette did not get a computer of her own until her boyfriend purchased her a tablet.  They found it frustrating to communicate with her sitting in the living room with the family gathered around.

Annette was in an on and off relationship with a young man (my son) who was in the Army.  After basic training he was stationed in Schoefield Barracks, HI and then did a 1 year deployment in Afghanistan.

Annette and I have talked at some length about the role of technology in her courtship and the pros and cons of a long distance relationship. 

She has given me permission to share this image.  She is a very talented artist, with limited training.  She is anxious to explore her art using technology.