Sometimes people have the misconception that StoryCorps is just for “old people.” While it is priceless to record the memories of those older and wiser than us, it can also be equally valuable to record the voices and thoughts of the young. We believe everyone has a story to tell, and sharing a personal story can be worthwhile for both the young and the young at heart. 10-year-old Jose and his mom, Yvette (who wouldn’t divulge her age), came into the StoryCorps booth in Gainesville after spending a morning at the Alachua County Public Library.

Jose talked enthusiastically with his mom about Star Wars, ninjas, and his dad and sister. Jose remembered before his sister Esther came along, “I really wanted a little sibling. It could be a brother or a sister, it could be a broster. It could be a mutated kid, but I just wanted another sibling because Dad always had to grade papers and you had to cook dinner.”

Yvette remembered Jose’s childhood career dreams. “You wanted to be a fireman on Monday. You wanted to be a teacher on Tuesday. You were going to be a police officer on Wednesday, and Sundays you were going to be a preacher like Daddy.”

Jose’s career goals have changed. “I think now I want to search for treasure as a pirate.”

Jose was much more decisive about how awesome his mom is. Yvette asked a brave question, “On the scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate me as a mom?”

“10.”

“Why?”

“There’s never been a time when I’ve never had lunch. I always have lunch. And I’m always fed and I’m always taken care of. Even if the week is no TV week… And there’s never been a day when I didn’t have a piece of candy… Because there’s always Granddad.”

However, Jose was not without suggestions for improvement. He was kind enough to outline a six step payment plan to becoming a better mom that included a Nintendo Wii, Guitar Hero, and Star Wars cards with Ventress. Keep dreaming, Jose!