Memories of Union College
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What makes a good conversation?
It's not perfect answers. It’s the questions that invite stories.
September 27 |
Union College
This project is two people asking each other questions, trading stories, and uncovering something new in the process. At its heart, what we’re looking for are small, vivid scenes . The who, the where, the what-it-felt-like.
On recording day, you’ll be paired with someone - an alum, a current resident, a family member, or a friend. Together you’ll sit down for a guided conversation of around 25 minutes. You’ll each come prepared with three “must-ask” questions (and a couple of backups), chosen from the following list or your own.
The exchange is simple: you ask, they answer, then it’s your turn. We’ll be there to keep the conversation moving and to capture it all in audio. It's not a debate or interview, it's all about telling union stories. Along the way, we may take a few photos or short video clips of the two of you in conversation.
Once the conversation wraps, we’ll shift to a shorter piece: a 10-minute anecdote recorded on video. This might be a memory you submitted when you RSVP’d, or a story we spotted during the dialogue that deserves a highlight. Finally, we’ll spend five minutes taking a few portraits. All up, your session will last about 45 minutes, enough time to leave with voices, faces, and moments preserved.
Questions to ask Alumni
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Tell me about the story of how you first came to Union.
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Describe your first few days here - who or what stands out?
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Tell me about a night or event at Union you’ll never forget.
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Tell me about a friendship that defined your years at Union.
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Tell me about a staff member, mentor, or peer who made a lasting impression on you.
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Describe the hardest moment you faced at Union - and who stood beside you.
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Tell me about a time you felt the Union community rally around you.
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Share a story of something unexpected that happened at Union.
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Explain a moment here that changed the way you saw yourself.
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Tell me how Union still echoes in your life today.
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What would you say is Union’s greatest gift to you?
Questions to ask Current Residents
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Tell me the story of how you ended up choosing Union.
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Tell me about your first week - what memory still sticks?
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Describe a moment this year when you felt you truly belonged.
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Tell me about a friendship that has shaped your time here.
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Tell me about a moment when Union surprised you.
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Tell me about an event or tradition that made you proud to be here.
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Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you dealt with it.
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Tell me about someone at Union who has helped you grow.
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Share a story of a time you supported someone else here.
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Describe one thing you know you’ll carry with you when you leave Union.
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What do you hope people will remember about your time here?
Questions to ask Families of Residents
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Tell me the story of your first visit to Union.
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Tell me about the moment you decided Union was the right fit for your child.
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Describe what it was like dropping them off that first day.
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Tell me about a time you saw your child light up when they talked about Union.
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Share a story about how Union supported your family in a meaningful way.
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Tell me about the growth you’ve witnessed since they joined Union.
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Describe a moment when you knew Union was shaping them for the better.
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Tell me about a Union event or milestone that stood out for you as a family.
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Tell me a story about the values you hope they carry forward from here.
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Looking back, what has Union meant to your family?
Questions to ask Friends of Residents (Peers, Mentors, Supporters)
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Tell me how you first heard about Union through your friend.
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Describe your first time visiting Union - what was happening?
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Tell me about a Union event or moment you got to be part of.
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Share a story your friend told you about Union that stuck with you.
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Tell me about something your friend experienced at Union that inspired you.
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Tell me about a time Union shaped your friend in a way you noticed.
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Describe a memory you and your friend share that is tied to Union.
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Tell me about the moment you understood why Union mattered to them.
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Describe the Union culture you’ve observed from the outside.
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Why do you think Union matters - even to those who don’t live here?