Interview Example on Vincent: Immigrant, Athlete, and Working Professional

Introduction

In this assignment, I will interview one of my peers who has now become a friend. The name of my colleague is Vincent with a diverse background. Vincent immigrated to America back in 2008 from Kenya with his parents and two siblings. Vincent now lives in Minnesota at the area called Rochester. Vincent attended Century Senior High School where he engaged in athletics winning competitions. Vincent chooses a career away from the sport even though he is active with athletic events. Vincent now works at Maple Manor Healthcare & Rehab. He has been at this facility for the last years. The assignment will focus the discussion on Kenya, a country in East Africa that is rising economically.

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Vincent was born in Kenya at a rural village in the central areas of the country. Vincent was the first-born child to a family that was affected by the post-election violence in the country. At the height of the violence, their property was destroyed, and their life was put in danger. Some of their neighbors lost their lives, and Vincent recounts that a member of his playgroup lost his life during the violence. Vincent parents sought political asylum in America to evade violence and also move to an environment where they could recuperate from the traumatizing events of the violence. His parents were able to move to America and settle in Minnesota. All their relatives live in Kenya, and they keep communicating often. Vincent has also expressed his intention of visiting his relatives in Kenya. The decision taken by Vincent's parents was bold and has helped to shape the lives of her siblings to get over the trauma that could affect them if they chose to live in a place where they witness destruction and loss of life.

Second Domain

Kenya can be described as a developing country. It is one of the fast-growing countries in Africa economically even though it is faced with numerous challenges. More than half of the Kenyans live in poverty. Majority of the people in the country live in rural areas. However, in recent years, there has been an influx in the number of people moving to urban centers in search of jobs. The rate of unemployment is high a statistic that has increased crime and depression levels among the youths who have cleared education and cannot secure a job. The standard of living is also on the rise and citizens struggle engaging in odd jobs to be able to afford basic needs. Vincent noted that even though life is increasingly becoming expensive because of the failure of the government to regulate the economy, Kenyans engage in small business both in the rural and urban areas to cater for their needs.

The growing economy in Kenya that is marked by income inequality I pushing the prices of essential commodities higher. In Kenya, retirees choose to go back to the village where life is a bit affordable. Those that have businesses or alternative sources of income choose to remain in the town where access to quality health services is available. Vincent argues that tourists like visiting Kenya mainly are coastal beaches and game parks. The country has good weather which is attractive for both tourists and athletes who go to train in Kenya's high altitude highlands. The information provided by Vincent about this country raised my desire to visit Kenya during my summer holidays.

The main factor that affects health outcomes in Kenya is income inequality and poverty. Vincent described Kenya has a country that has enormous potential to transform its health sector. Among the issues that affect health in Kenya food insecurity, lack of access to clean drinking water and uneven development in certain areas. Vincent said that the majority of people die annually due to hunger in arid areas of Africa. Besides, the same groups of people lack access to clean water despite having long rains. Vincent noted that the country is still affected by the communicable diseases that are spread due to poor hygiene. Vincent observed that lifestyle diseases are on the rise in the country. He noted that individuals from poor background find difficulties in accessing quality healthcare for their various complications.

Third Domain

During the interview, Vincent explained that the new constitution that was passed in 2010 ushered devolution where governance would be brought closer to the people. Vincent argued that the previous system of government had created disparities in healthcare such that individuals living in bigger towns had access to better health services. Private clinics or mission hospitals best served rural areas ran and managed by foreigners or religious institutions. Vincent further expressed his concern on the failure of this style of governance to address health concerns even in the country's capital of Nairobi. Even though several health centers are coming up, poor people still lack the right health services. The disparity in economic status still creates a gap that needs to be bridged.

During the interview, Vincent lamented on poverty levels and the rising unemployment rates. Poverty and unemployment were the main health concerns in the country. Vincent observed the recent move by the government to enroll all the citizens in a health insurance program. The move was seen to be a solution to affordability to healthcare. However, the majority of the people are unable to make payments to the plan locking them out of health services whenever they fall sick. The rising cases of lifestyle diseases had seen families selling property such as land to be able to accord their loved one's quality health services. Vincent stated that as the country grabbles with challenges of unemployment and poverty, lifestyle diseases are proving to be a thorn in the flesh of the majority of the Kenyans.

In the interview, Vincent presented views that compared to America and Kenya. In his words, Vincent argued that Kenyans are living a happy life despite the challenges they face. Unlike the U.S. where people are used to government intervention and better lives, the level of happiness is way better in Kenya. Kenyans are united by activities that bring joy to the entire nation. The sporting activities particularly the athletics where Kenyans win several accolades presents a joyous moment to the entire country. Kenyans might not be wealthy but use the little they have to impact on the lives of other people. The culture of the Kenyan people is unique something that has attracted many expatriates to moving and owning property in the country. in a country where structural inequality is evident, the government is trying to make changes, but issues like corruption and nepotism are hard to address.

Vincent observed that Kenya is now moving in the right direction with devolved functions of governance. The country governments in the country are giving healthcare a priority in its expenditure. Hospitals have now been improved, and the quality of services is further developing. The complaints raised by the citizens are being addressed even though they are taking more time than expected. Vincent believes that it will take time to achieve equality and affordability in Kenya's healthcare system and this could be solved by solving the problem of poverty.

Fourth Domain

When I asked Vincent about any suggestions to improve social services, he was somewhat hesitant. Vincent pointed out that Kenya had a weak social service system. However, in addressing these issues, it was important for the government to solve the problem of unemployment and improve wealth distribution. According to Vincent, employment would reduce poverty and would empower communities to be self-reliant. The other area was on food security, access to clean water and proper shelter. Food insecurity continues to cause death, and if the country did not achieve food security, it would be hard to improve social services. Vincent ended the interview with the call for the Kenya citizens to choose leaders wisely who are concerned with solving social problems in the country. Vincent noted that the issues affecting Kenyan people were directly linked to poor political decisions.

Conclusion

The interview with Vincent provided great insights into Kenya. It is evident that Kenya is striving to improve its economy amid social challenges that the government cannot find a solution. The interview has enhanced my knowledge of the challenges faced by developing countries in improving access to social services. Vincent was generous to share finer details about his past life something that I appreciated and promised to keep it confidential.