Reference
X214/12/28
Title
Transcript of interview with Ciaran O'Brien, born 19 June 1981 in Minster-on-Sea, Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
Date free text
c.2007
Production date
From: 1981 To: 2007
Scope and Content
Describes Isle of Sheppey and school friends.
At age of 8 moved to south London, but after 3 years moved back to Isle of Sheppey. Went to school there till age 16.
Has 2 half-sisters from his mother's previous marriage. Father is Irish.
Parents divorced; when they first split up, when Ciaran was about 15, he lived with his father. Did not like it when father got a new girlfriend and re-married, but gets on well with his step-mother now. Found it difficult when his parents separated. Has not spoken to Mother for a few years.
Has one sister, She has asthma and was ill a lot as a child.
Went to universtiy for a year but did not like the course and left. Lived back at home for 2 years and worked, first as a trainee steel fabricator and then as a stock and inventory administrator for a global fruit import/export company.
Moved to Luton 4 years ago and became a mature student, studying international business and culture.
Describes student life; mix of cultures; sharing accommodation etc.
Is starting a Masters degree in September, and will stay in Luton to do it.
At present is working at the university as activities co-ordinator. Has volunteered at the university chaplaincy - runs an interfaith programme. Also volunteers for Grassroots, a Christian led organisation.
Comments about friendships in general and between different cultures.
Comments about travel and learning from visiting other countires and cultures.
Unlikely to remain in Luton after finishing studies. Would like to live abroad for a few years.
Observations from visit to the United States - patriotism; gulf between rich and poor
Comments about political correctness.
Living with different cultures.
Opinions of Luton.
Level of description
item