Feature Story Brainstorm

1. Who is your main subject?
Sabrina Der, my step sister

2. Supporting interviews (who else do you need to talk to, minimum 2 people)?
Winnie Aman, my step mom
Andrew Aman, my dad

3. What is the topic or potential topic?
Sabrina works in a program called Project SEARCH at Dell Children's Medical Center. It's a program run through Seton Healthcare that gives internship opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

4. Which angle from above will you write the story?
First-hand experience

5. Then, to help you get going faster, come up with 20 questions that you can ask your main subject.
-1. What do you like about where you work?
-2. How did you find out about project SEARCH?
-3. How did the application process work?
-4. How did you find out you were accepted?
-5. Who was the first person you told and why?
-6. Did you go through any special training?
-7. If so, can you describe the process?
-8. Describe your first day of actual work.
-9. Describe a typical day at work.
-10. What responsibilities does your job have?
-11. What is your favorite part about your work?
-12. Least favorite?
-13. What do you find rewarding about your work?
-14. What is the community at the hospital like?
-15. What have you learned from this job?
-16. Would you say your job is difficult?
-17. If so, why?
-18. What made you want to first apply?
-19. Do you see yourself having a future at the hospital, or in this field?
-20. What are some qualities you think a person needs for this job?

6. Once you complete that portion, you need to come up with 5-10 questions you need to ask your supporting interviews.
-1. How did you find out Sabrina was accepted?
-2. What was your initial reaction?
-3. How do you, if you do, help Sabrina? (concerning her job)
-4. So far, what kind of changes have you seen in Sabrina since she began Project Search?
-5. What kind of changes do you hope to see in her?
-6. Why do you, as her parent, support her with this?

7. You will need to do a little research on the topic you expect to interview your main subject about. Take a little time and do some google searching, and find at least 5 new things about the intended topic you should know before you interview your main subject.
-1. Initially implemented in the fall of 2007, Project SEARCH at Seton was the first of its kind in Texas.
-2. Project SEARCH at the Seton Healthcare Family is currently operating at five Seton sites
-3. Project SEARCH interns spend a majority of their day in internship rotations which offer opportunities to work in different hospital departments
-4. About a quarter of the student interns may be hired at the host business. 
-5. For a high school Project SEARCH program, the students need to be at least 18 years old to be considered for the program. 

8. Write when you plan to conduct the interviews.
Anytime over thanksgiving break

9. Where will you interview them?
At home or at a coffee shop (or any small, friendly environment)

10. How will you record the information?
Record the interview on my phone and take notes.