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PHOTO of Jim C.

Recorded at Selinsgrove Center April 2015.

About Jim C.

Jim has lived at Selinsgrove Center for 57 years.

Interview Highlights

Image Gallery

Jim C. from Selinsgrove Center
Jim C. holds a model replica of an eagle
Jim C. stands next to a table with ceramic pieces
Jim C. points to a sign listing menu items
Jim C. holds ceramic piece
Jim C. stands next to poster with signatures

Lives Lived Apart interview with Jim C. recorded April 11, 2015

PHOTO of Jim C. with his interviewer Shawn

SHAWN'S COMMENTS:  "I saw how [Jim] took what he had and he was happy. He made me appreciate life more. He was such a blessing. 
  
I was downtown coming from my internship and I saw this kid with Downs Syndrome and some people was just laughing at him. And I'm like, "this has got to stop." It reminded me of the poster that was hanging on the wall [at Selinsgrove] that said the "R" word [retarded] is not used there at all. And Jim told me, if people use the "R" word, that they'd get in really deep trouble. And that reminds me of how far we've come, but how far we have to go so that everybody, like Jim or myself, can live in this world, this country, this nation, and help make it better."

Lisa: When I hit record, testing one two three, testing. Testing one two three. Testing one two three. I can hear. OK? So if you can hear it through the recorder you're good to go.

Staff: So who's meant to wear the ear buds? Anybody?

Lisa: You can just check in the beginning. That's good enough. Alright so we're going to set some sound levels. So first, Shawn, I'd like you to just speak in your normal speaking tone.

Shawn: Hi Jim.

Jim: Hi.

Lisa: OK and hold on. I'm going to turn your level up a little bit and we're going to try it again. You don't have to lean into the mic. You can sit back. You're totally fine. We want you to relax.

Shawn: Hi Jim.

Jim: Hi.

Lisa: OK and Jim, can you tell me what you had for lunch?

Jim: Fish sandwich.

Lisa: How was it? Was it good?

Jim: Pretty good, yes.

Lisa: Awesome. OK so you can see here the numbers are going up and we're recording. I'm going to turn the volume up just a little bit more and I know it's boring but could you tell me what you had for lunch again, Jim?

Jim: Fresh fries and fish.

Lisa: Nice and the fish. That looks great and Shawn, can you speak in your normal voice?

Shawn: I had a fish sandwich.

Lisa: You had a fish sandwich. Alright I think you guys are great. I'm going to turn off the recorder.

Shawn: Hi Jim. My name is Shawn.

Jim: How are you doing buddy?

Shawn: Good. Hi Miss Celia.

Celia: And I'm Celia.

Shawn: You are Celia, huh?

Celia: I am and can you tell us who you are?

Jim: Jim Corsen.

Shawn: Jim Corsen. OK. So... We are at Selinsgrove on April the 11th.

Jim: 11th, yeah.

Shawn: So, Jim, where was you born at?

Jim: I don't know. I don't know what that is.

Celia: You don't remember?

Jim: No.

Shawn: No?

Jim: No.

Shawn: OK so what was your favorite childhood memory?

Jim: I don't know. I don't know what it was.

Shawn: No? So who's your favorite... do you remember going to school?

Jim: A long time ago.

Shawn: Yeah. What do you remember about school?

Jim: No more. Ain't a school. It's a training center now.

Shawn: OK.

Celia: What is it now?

Jim: Training center.

Celia: Training center. Oh, did you used to go to school there?

Jim: Yeah.

Shawn: Oh.

Celia: So it used to be a school and now it's a training center.

Shawn: OK.

Jim: Yes it was.

Shawn: How do you like your job?

Jim: Pretty good.

Shawn: Good?

Jim: Yeah.

Shawn: Can you tell me a little bit more about your job?

Photos by JJ Tiziou

A Fierce Kind of Love has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

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