Aaron Seeley

POLS 155-28
February 26, 2017

Building Block: Interview

I. Interview Questions:
a. Where are you from and how has that molded you into the student you are today?
b. What are you involved with on campus?
c. What are your special interests outside of academia?
d. Are there any specific political issues you have interest in currently?
e. Do you believe that the prison/jail incarceration policy is an issue?
f. What parts of the policy do you think should be changed/modified?
g. Do you know anybody who is directly affected by this?
h. ^ Yes, how so?
i. Do you believe US tax payers should be responsible for paying for the upkeep of
prisons and jails?
j. Do you have any concerns for how prisons are run and how they are paid for?

For this interview I had a one-on-one with Gracie Pachie, a fellow freshmen classmate.

We met in the Sutter Dining Hall and discussed my questions for her over lunch. I chose Gracie

for this interview because she is a good friend of mine and I respect her opinion on many topics.

She sometimes has opposing views to things as me on certain topics and I was curious how our

opinions matched up with my policy issue.

Gracie Pachie is a very involved student on Chico States campus with programs such as

RHA, Community Council, and Greek life. Coming from Middletown, a town of approximately

eleven-hundred people in Northern California, Gracie Pachie was taught from a young age to be

very independent and outgoing in her small community. Student government and involvement

was a big part of her high school career and she brought a lot of experience in that area to Chico

State. In her time outside of school she enjoys horseback riding because it allows her to escape

from the struggles of student life. She is also heavily invested in her sorority; she loves being a

part of something that allows her to network all over the country and meet new people regularly.
 In terms of politics she is very interested in drug policy. The legality of Marijuana is her

favorite topic in the news currently. I asked Gracie why she found it so interesting and I learned

that a relative of hers was incarcerated due to drug possession. This discovery is what led us into

the conversation on my policy issue: Prison and Jail Policy.

Gracie believes that the prison incarceration rate is far too high. There are so many small-

time criminals locked away costing tax payers money. Gracie doesnt believe that prison time is

a suitable punishment for every crime committed. We as a country give the same punishment to

someone charged for possession as we do to someone who committed murder, the only

difference being the amount of time served. She and I both believe that we need a reformed

policy to ensure that small-time criminals dont commit the same crimes again. A cost effective

program that teaches people how to be better citizens is the most ideal situation. When asked

about who should pay for the upkeep of these prisons, Gracie stated that she wasnt sure if tax

payers should be relied on as heavily as they are now; however, she is unsure of a better solution.

Gracie and I have very similar opinions and ideas when it comes to prison policy

and Ive learned a lot about her by conducting this interview. Her passions, interests, and

childhood experiences all led her to becoming the person she is today, and has helped her form

her opinions on issues such as prison and jail policy.