Sadness and Hope in Haiti

My interview with CBS News Anchor Harry Smith

When I went to the CBS News studios in New York last week to interview Harry Smith, I was really nervous. I had never done an interview on camera before.

“Okay,” I thought, “just smile and ask your questions.”

It turned out I did much more than that. I had an emotional conversation with an adult who treated me like a real reporter instead of a little kid. Together we discussed life and death, but more importantly hope, in Haiti.

Before the interview started, Mr. Smith spent about 10 minutes just talking with me. It felt like we were old friends, and from then on, I knew the interview would go well.

When some of my questions brought tears to his eyes, I didn’t feel uncomfortable about it because I was lost in his answers. He is such a good storyteller, and he painted such a powerful picture with words that came from deep in his heart, that I felt like I was in Haiti with him.

Even though there is a lot of devastation in Haiti, Mr. Smith said he saw hope amidst the sadness. People who had lost everything were making plans about how to go on with their lives. It was an uplifting lesson.

—Grace McManus

Comments

[Miranda]

That's really amazing! I wish I could have had that experience.

[KenP]

Wow, I'm really impressed with how Grace handled this interviews, great questions from someone so young. And the insight from Harry is just incredible. My wife is just returning from Haiti tonight after being there for a week as a nurse and I've been hearing stories from her that sound similar to what Harry is saying.
To see such a seasoned reporter be impacted so deeply by what is going on in Haiti is a true sign of how horrible this disaster is and shows how much aid is really needed to get the Haitian people back on their feet.

Great work by all.

[khadja]

wow how good was that video i liked the video.The video was
great

[khadja]

Wow, I'm really impressed with how Grace handled this interviews, great questions from someone so young. And the insight from Harry is just incredible. My wife is just returning from Haiti tonight after being there for a week as a nurse and I've been hearing stories from her that sound similar to what Harry is saying.
To see such a seasoned reporter be impacted so deeply by what is going on in Haiti is a true sign of how horrible this disaster is and shows how much aid is really needed to get the Haitian people back on their feet.